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The False Clue of the Twisted Red Herring’s Footprint
The tenth Anty Boisjoly Mystery!
It’s the biggest Boisjoly by bounds when none other than Anty’s friendly rival Inspector Wittersham is the only suspect in a locked-room murder.
Of course Anty doesn’t believe for a second that Inspector Wittersham murdered a prisoner locked in a cell to which only he had the key, it’s merely unfortunate that the more Anty investigates and the more twists and secrets and hidden treasure he digs up, the more evidence he finds that proves Wittersham guilty.
To save his friend, Anty must draw on his judgemental mum, woolly valet, a constable named Constable, a goat of dubious loyalties, endless eccentrics, and his own depths of wit and anecdote as he delves deeply into the history of medieval England and the dark mysteries of the dark past of his own family.
Like all Anty Boisjoly Mysteries, this is a stand-alone, repertory story of improbable murder and motives intended for those who enjoy a little comedy in their cosy.
It’s the biggest Boisjoly by bounds when none other than Anty’s friendly rival Inspector Wittersham is the only suspect in a locked-room murder.
Of course Anty doesn’t believe for a second that Inspector Wittersham murdered a prisoner locked in a cell to which only he had the key, it’s merely unfortunate that the more Anty investigates and the more twists and secrets and hidden treasure he digs up, the more evidence he finds that proves Wittersham guilty.
To save his friend, Anty must draw on his judgemental mum, woolly valet, a constable named Constable, a goat of dubious loyalties, endless eccentrics, and his own depths of wit and anecdote as he delves deeply into the history of medieval England and the dark mysteries of the dark past of his own family.
Like all Anty Boisjoly Mysteries, this is a stand-alone, repertory story of improbable murder and motives intended for those who enjoy a little comedy in their cosy.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
143 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fitzsimmons
13 books280 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 31 reviews
August 15, 2025
When I am powerless to stifle an outburst of laughter while reading next to my sleeping husband, it is clearly that exceptional, rare gift of a masterfully written book. In my most humble opinion, PJ Fitzsimmons is one of 2 genius modern authors in a field that hosts a plethora of mediocre talent. (The other being Robert Osman) Although their styles are very different, they both keep readers on their toes with delightful surprises and unexpected twists delivered in beautiful, creative imagery. This is a book that needs more than one reading to fully appreciate, as the puns, jokes, and references are almost continuous. That will certainly not be a hardship as I am already looking forward to enjoying it again soon!
August 23, 2025
There are so many great one-liners in this tale - highly amusing!
September 2, 2025
This book is another classic where Scotland yard Ivor Wittersham is the main suspect of a murder which her did not do and it was again a locked room murder. And again Anty saves the day as this time not only Ivor is suspect but with him her mother and his valet Vickers is also a suspect. This story again takes us to the same destination where another locked room mystery was solved by Anty in Canterfall hall in fray. This story also involves Anty's father. The author has done a remarkable job in writing this book, keeping the language the same as that was used in 1927 to 1930. Whenever I complete Anty mystery I start waiting for the next one. And eagerly wait for the next one. This is an awesome Goodreads... 🙂
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August 28, 2025I have read all of Anty’s witty mysteries, but this one is the best. I especially liked Chapter 13 where he and Inspector Wittersham assume each other’s identities and deftly reveal what they think of their opposite stations in life. Witty! But the best part of the book is the last page where Ivor gives Anty the best gift of all. And of course, the solving of an impossible, locked-room murder, “etc.” What a tangle of crimes and deceit! I was grateful to receive a complimentary copy of this uniquely satisfying book via BookSirens.
August 11, 2025
The False Clue of the Twisted Red Herrings Footprint is Book10 in the Anty's Boisjoly Mysteries by P J Fitzsimmons. This series is always an enjoyable read. Set in the early 1900s, things are a little bit different, more formal. Anty's friend/enemy, Inspector Wittersham, is the only suspect to a murder. No clues… no problem for Anty. False trails… piece of cake for Anty. Put on your sleuthing cap, get a snack and drink then visit the 1920s to solve the murder. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 11, 2026
I have previously reviewed book 5
{192 print pages}
Genre: Historical cozy mystery, humor
Tropes: Closed circle of suspects
Setting: 1920s England
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Tone: Amusing, absurd
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Anty and his friend are attracted to his friend’s secretary, with a running gag where, each time she appears, Anty briefly sees her in a hyper-idealized, almost mythic way before snapping back to reality.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• A scene where Anty pretends to be Inspector Ivor Wittersham, and the actual inspector comes along and has to pretend to be Anty, and they mock (I presume it’s mostly a joke) and poke fun at each other
• All the random nicknames Anty uses every time he addresses Detective-Constable Pendurby Constable
As the title suggests, red herrings are central to this mystery. All the characters are searching for something called the Domesday Artefact, each with a different reason for wanting it, based on what they think it can do for them. Only one person knows where it’s hidden, and Anty’s strategy for discovering who that is is to pretend to know himself, telling each suspect a different location. The truth about the artifact is tied to the mystery of who killed Willy Whitechapel, which is also linked to the ongoing — and finally answered — question of who killed Anty’s father.
Favorite Quotations:
• [H]is suit looked as though his mother expected him to grow into it[.]
• To this Pendurby replied with an innovation in facial construction — a frightful chimaera composed of the worst bits of a smile and a reaction to bad shellfish.
• “There is nothing either bad nor good, but thinking makes it so,” I allowed, as have greater men than I, Shakespeare to do my lying for me.
• In the absence of an organised constabulary, some secure situation was required for highwaymen, the mad, and people who used marginally different words when reciting The Lord’s Prayer.
• “You’re quite sure that the cell was locked when Whitechapel Willy found himself gazing awe upon the infinite?”
• “With no warning at all.” I drew comfort from my whisky before continuing. “I say that — she did send a telegram. It read, ‘If this cable finds you in the few moments you have between breakfast and your third whisky, come and bring in my bags.’ I opened the front door and there she was, pulling up in a taxi.”
• “But first, Mama, what’s your patent falsehood? I should warn you, before you fall into your reflexive manner of dismissive denial, that we’ve met.”
• “Like Vickers, I simply wished for a short retreat in the countryside,” alleged Mama. “You hate the countryside,” I reminded her.“Of course I don’t hate the countryside,” denied the accused, as expected. “Didn’t I take you to the country every summer?” “No, in point of fact, you sent me to the country every summer,” I countered. “This is a very important distinction which, examined closely or, for that matter, from a great distance, supports my contention.” “I distinctly recall taking you horseback riding — regularly — in some savage wilderness somewhere.” “That was Hyde Park, mother, in the middle of London,” I parried once again. “And it’s a fair stretch even for you to describe having cocktails at the Ritz while Vickers leads me around Marble Arch on a Shetland pony as taking me horseback riding.”
• “He claims that under terms set out by William I, you can either grant access to the woods or deny it, but you can’t sell it.” “Does he now?” chafed Fiddles. “Well, the man does brew a fine bitter, perhaps he’s right. Pity we don’t know a sitting member of the House of Lords who read law at Oxford, we could ask him and settle it once and for all[.]
• “I recall,” I said. “You’d hold us spellbound long into the night back at Oxford, until a vote was taken to either sneak out while you were in your bedroom looking up precedent, or chuck you in the Thames.”
• I was entirely ill-prepared for a visit to a country estate, but were I suddenly required to fill in for one half of a Pat and Mike crosstalk act in a suburban music hall, I was merely over-equipped.
• “Please, Anty, consider doing this one thing for your mother.” “Oh, very well, I’ll give it some thought — no. Thank you mother, I feel much more settled in my decision now I’ve had a thorough think on it.”
• “Haven’t you ever wondered why the town and county of Fray have been the subject of such persecution by the so-called crown?” “Has it been?” “Of course,” confided the backbencher at the volume of a man trying to stop a train.
• “I knew your father,” Podberry blinked and smiled like a man for whom blinking and smiling was a resting state. “You’re very like him.” “Thank you, Mister Podberry,” I said. “Or, how dare you, depending on how you meant that. How did you know Papa?” “He kidnapped me.” “That was just his way of showing affection,” I explained. “At least, I certainly hope it was, or I spent a lot of time in tea trunks for nothing.”
• “Let us start with my own mother,” I began. “I call her Mama, but you’d best record her as Cleopatra Boisjoly, née Quillfeather.” “Your father’s wife,” surmised Pendurby. “By amazing coincidence, yes.” “I mean to say, it stands to reason she’d have had dealings with him, doesn’t it?” “No, actually, it doesn’t necessarily follow. They kept very different schedules — my father would often rise in the afternoon and return late at night, and my mother would do the same, but in the south of France.”
• He withdrew his pipe and pouch with the casual ease of a man who carefully practices casual ease before a mirror every morning.
• “You regard it as among your duties as personal secretary to Lord Bunce to document the movements of his goat.” “You needn’t make it sound so absurd.” “No, you’re right, I don’t,” I agreed. “It rather stands on its own in that regard.”
• This was, in fact, convincing, for my father was quite selectively sentimental and his grandfather’s pocketwatch was very dear to him. Its sweet eccentricity of randomly running slow or running fast or stopping and restarting so synchronised with my father’s lifestyle that he regarded it as a sort of ally against punctuality and responsibility, and it came to his defense on countless occasions when my mother would ask him if he had any idea what time it was.
• “A secret stringer tells us that London’s list of everyone who’s anyone who couldn’t think up an excuse was on hand for the dedication of the Captain Coo-Blimey Public Aviary in memory of the many beloved pigeons who carried that honoured name and rank and countless strategic communiquées from the brave boys of the Hammersmith and Fulham King’s Own Horse Guards, fighting in the trenches of Belgium, back to the brave commanding officers at a chateau in a coastal fishing village.”
• “My father is a fond memory of a fleeting presence, and I’m sure he left several important things undone, such as raising his son to manhood, but what’s past is past, and he is past.”
• “You’re among friends here, Penderbits,” I said. “No, he isn’t,” differed Fiddles. “You’re among friend here, Penderbit,” I amended.
• “I say, Mrs Porter, do you recall last week when we had all that excitement with the return of Whitechapel Willy?” “I most certainly do, Mister Agog.” Dottie leaned on the sideboard, instantly converting it to a communal bartop. “He was standing as close to me as I am to you now.” “In fact, you gave him his room at the inn.” “I did.” “Do you recall what name he gave?” “Whitechapel.” “Yes — what name did he give?” “I’ve just said,” wibbled Dottie. “He said his name was Whitechapel.” “Whitechapel Willy told you his real name?” “‘Course not,” scoffed the cook. “He went by William Whitechapel.”
• “Have you shared this theory with anyone else, Mister Podberry?” “I’m honestly not sure…” Podberry drew meditatively on his flask. “I think I may have mentioned it to some publishing people. And a very nice man I met under a bridge.”
• Eccles laughed like a man who’d learned to do so by watching a clockwork monkey do something similar.
(I received a free copy of this book through BookSirens, and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
{192 print pages}
Genre: Historical cozy mystery, humor
Tropes: Closed circle of suspects
Setting: 1920s England
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Tone: Amusing, absurd
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Anty and his friend are attracted to his friend’s secretary, with a running gag where, each time she appears, Anty briefly sees her in a hyper-idealized, almost mythic way before snapping back to reality.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• A scene where Anty pretends to be Inspector Ivor Wittersham, and the actual inspector comes along and has to pretend to be Anty, and they mock (I presume it’s mostly a joke) and poke fun at each other
• All the random nicknames Anty uses every time he addresses Detective-Constable Pendurby Constable
As the title suggests, red herrings are central to this mystery. All the characters are searching for something called the Domesday Artefact, each with a different reason for wanting it, based on what they think it can do for them. Only one person knows where it’s hidden, and Anty’s strategy for discovering who that is is to pretend to know himself, telling each suspect a different location. The truth about the artifact is tied to the mystery of who killed Willy Whitechapel, which is also linked to the ongoing — and finally answered — question of who killed Anty’s father.
Favorite Quotations:
• [H]is suit looked as though his mother expected him to grow into it[.]
• To this Pendurby replied with an innovation in facial construction — a frightful chimaera composed of the worst bits of a smile and a reaction to bad shellfish.
• “There is nothing either bad nor good, but thinking makes it so,” I allowed, as have greater men than I, Shakespeare to do my lying for me.
• In the absence of an organised constabulary, some secure situation was required for highwaymen, the mad, and people who used marginally different words when reciting The Lord’s Prayer.
• “You’re quite sure that the cell was locked when Whitechapel Willy found himself gazing awe upon the infinite?”
• “With no warning at all.” I drew comfort from my whisky before continuing. “I say that — she did send a telegram. It read, ‘If this cable finds you in the few moments you have between breakfast and your third whisky, come and bring in my bags.’ I opened the front door and there she was, pulling up in a taxi.”
• “But first, Mama, what’s your patent falsehood? I should warn you, before you fall into your reflexive manner of dismissive denial, that we’ve met.”
• “Like Vickers, I simply wished for a short retreat in the countryside,” alleged Mama. “You hate the countryside,” I reminded her.“Of course I don’t hate the countryside,” denied the accused, as expected. “Didn’t I take you to the country every summer?” “No, in point of fact, you sent me to the country every summer,” I countered. “This is a very important distinction which, examined closely or, for that matter, from a great distance, supports my contention.” “I distinctly recall taking you horseback riding — regularly — in some savage wilderness somewhere.” “That was Hyde Park, mother, in the middle of London,” I parried once again. “And it’s a fair stretch even for you to describe having cocktails at the Ritz while Vickers leads me around Marble Arch on a Shetland pony as taking me horseback riding.”
• “He claims that under terms set out by William I, you can either grant access to the woods or deny it, but you can’t sell it.” “Does he now?” chafed Fiddles. “Well, the man does brew a fine bitter, perhaps he’s right. Pity we don’t know a sitting member of the House of Lords who read law at Oxford, we could ask him and settle it once and for all[.]
• “I recall,” I said. “You’d hold us spellbound long into the night back at Oxford, until a vote was taken to either sneak out while you were in your bedroom looking up precedent, or chuck you in the Thames.”
• I was entirely ill-prepared for a visit to a country estate, but were I suddenly required to fill in for one half of a Pat and Mike crosstalk act in a suburban music hall, I was merely over-equipped.
• “Please, Anty, consider doing this one thing for your mother.” “Oh, very well, I’ll give it some thought — no. Thank you mother, I feel much more settled in my decision now I’ve had a thorough think on it.”
• “Haven’t you ever wondered why the town and county of Fray have been the subject of such persecution by the so-called crown?” “Has it been?” “Of course,” confided the backbencher at the volume of a man trying to stop a train.
• “I knew your father,” Podberry blinked and smiled like a man for whom blinking and smiling was a resting state. “You’re very like him.” “Thank you, Mister Podberry,” I said. “Or, how dare you, depending on how you meant that. How did you know Papa?” “He kidnapped me.” “That was just his way of showing affection,” I explained. “At least, I certainly hope it was, or I spent a lot of time in tea trunks for nothing.”
• “Let us start with my own mother,” I began. “I call her Mama, but you’d best record her as Cleopatra Boisjoly, née Quillfeather.” “Your father’s wife,” surmised Pendurby. “By amazing coincidence, yes.” “I mean to say, it stands to reason she’d have had dealings with him, doesn’t it?” “No, actually, it doesn’t necessarily follow. They kept very different schedules — my father would often rise in the afternoon and return late at night, and my mother would do the same, but in the south of France.”
• He withdrew his pipe and pouch with the casual ease of a man who carefully practices casual ease before a mirror every morning.
• “You regard it as among your duties as personal secretary to Lord Bunce to document the movements of his goat.” “You needn’t make it sound so absurd.” “No, you’re right, I don’t,” I agreed. “It rather stands on its own in that regard.”
• This was, in fact, convincing, for my father was quite selectively sentimental and his grandfather’s pocketwatch was very dear to him. Its sweet eccentricity of randomly running slow or running fast or stopping and restarting so synchronised with my father’s lifestyle that he regarded it as a sort of ally against punctuality and responsibility, and it came to his defense on countless occasions when my mother would ask him if he had any idea what time it was.
• “A secret stringer tells us that London’s list of everyone who’s anyone who couldn’t think up an excuse was on hand for the dedication of the Captain Coo-Blimey Public Aviary in memory of the many beloved pigeons who carried that honoured name and rank and countless strategic communiquées from the brave boys of the Hammersmith and Fulham King’s Own Horse Guards, fighting in the trenches of Belgium, back to the brave commanding officers at a chateau in a coastal fishing village.”
• “My father is a fond memory of a fleeting presence, and I’m sure he left several important things undone, such as raising his son to manhood, but what’s past is past, and he is past.”
• “You’re among friends here, Penderbits,” I said. “No, he isn’t,” differed Fiddles. “You’re among friend here, Penderbit,” I amended.
• “I say, Mrs Porter, do you recall last week when we had all that excitement with the return of Whitechapel Willy?” “I most certainly do, Mister Agog.” Dottie leaned on the sideboard, instantly converting it to a communal bartop. “He was standing as close to me as I am to you now.” “In fact, you gave him his room at the inn.” “I did.” “Do you recall what name he gave?” “Whitechapel.” “Yes — what name did he give?” “I’ve just said,” wibbled Dottie. “He said his name was Whitechapel.” “Whitechapel Willy told you his real name?” “‘Course not,” scoffed the cook. “He went by William Whitechapel.”
• “Have you shared this theory with anyone else, Mister Podberry?” “I’m honestly not sure…” Podberry drew meditatively on his flask. “I think I may have mentioned it to some publishing people. And a very nice man I met under a bridge.”
• Eccles laughed like a man who’d learned to do so by watching a clockwork monkey do something similar.
(I received a free copy of this book through BookSirens, and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
October 9, 2025
Here we are again with Anty Boisjoly - the tenth in the series - 1920s man about town and amateur detective. In this novel he is less about town and more in the village of Fray where his long-time friendly rival Inspector Ivor Wittersham has been arrested for murder. That is to say the murder of well-known villain, Whitechapel Willy, under such unusual circumstances that Wittersham is the only possible suspect. This is definitely a case to test Anty to the full.
The whole impossible crime raises some other serious questions before there can be any contemplation of a solution. How did anyone other than Ivor Wittersam get into the cell of the local lock-up to kill Willy? Why is Vickers, his father's valet, now working for Anty's friend Fiddles Canterfell, Earl of Fray? How is it that newly minted Detective Constable Penderby is the Scotland Yard man sent to investigate? Why is Anty's mother staying at Canterfell Hall? Who was Awfa Tichley? Is Anty's father still alive after all? What is the Doomsday artifact? What does the goat have to do with it?
As you can see, it's complicated! I initially felt it was less enthralling than the other Anty Boisjoly mysteries that I have read, but I became more intrigued as I read on. These books are detective fiction with a large side-serving of humour. The only thing that sort of annoyed me was Anty's constant intentional mangling of DC Penderby's name. It became tiresome after the first twenty or so times, though he kept right on.
Oh, yes, about the Twisted Red Herring's Footprint - what is that for goodness sake? Well . . . it's complicated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The whole impossible crime raises some other serious questions before there can be any contemplation of a solution. How did anyone other than Ivor Wittersam get into the cell of the local lock-up to kill Willy? Why is Vickers, his father's valet, now working for Anty's friend Fiddles Canterfell, Earl of Fray? How is it that newly minted Detective Constable Penderby is the Scotland Yard man sent to investigate? Why is Anty's mother staying at Canterfell Hall? Who was Awfa Tichley? Is Anty's father still alive after all? What is the Doomsday artifact? What does the goat have to do with it?
As you can see, it's complicated! I initially felt it was less enthralling than the other Anty Boisjoly mysteries that I have read, but I became more intrigued as I read on. These books are detective fiction with a large side-serving of humour. The only thing that sort of annoyed me was Anty's constant intentional mangling of DC Penderby's name. It became tiresome after the first twenty or so times, though he kept right on.
Oh, yes, about the Twisted Red Herring's Footprint - what is that for goodness sake? Well . . . it's complicated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2025
Dyed distractors derail detective inspector, but Anty ambles and antics to saviour solution.
Clubbable chap Anty has two murders to solve in this book. One of many twists is that the locked room mystery takes place in a gaol cell notorious for being left unlocked, even when occupied by a miscreant. The title is your biggest clue as to the solutions, but I found one to be highly improbable to the point of near impossibility which is why the fifth star is missing. Despite this, you have an enjoyable, entertaining and interesting read in your hands. The humour is drier than the weather and the amount of irony would rust in this Sussex setting. Anty is almost alone in solving this as he has a newly promoted constable as his only professional foil with the detective inspector opponent of old being the only suspect for the murder. I enjoyed his smitten visions of the gloriously bedazzling Holly as light relief from the tiring task of filtering fishy falsehoods from possible portents. Having read all the previous plotted portraits of our clubbable champion, I enjoyed the deliberate echoes of his first outing with twists on his allies and antagonists.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clubbable chap Anty has two murders to solve in this book. One of many twists is that the locked room mystery takes place in a gaol cell notorious for being left unlocked, even when occupied by a miscreant. The title is your biggest clue as to the solutions, but I found one to be highly improbable to the point of near impossibility which is why the fifth star is missing. Despite this, you have an enjoyable, entertaining and interesting read in your hands. The humour is drier than the weather and the amount of irony would rust in this Sussex setting. Anty is almost alone in solving this as he has a newly promoted constable as his only professional foil with the detective inspector opponent of old being the only suspect for the murder. I enjoyed his smitten visions of the gloriously bedazzling Holly as light relief from the tiring task of filtering fishy falsehoods from possible portents. Having read all the previous plotted portraits of our clubbable champion, I enjoyed the deliberate echoes of his first outing with twists on his allies and antagonists.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've read two of the books in this series and it really isn't necessary to read them in any order. They are very much in the style of PG Wodehouse, set in the 1920s - in this book its 1927. But Anty Boisjoly (pronounced like the Beaujolais wine region) has no need of a Jeeves - he's very able to work out this locked cell mystery. The story is very twisty and convoluted, as is Anty's style of speaking. He greets everyone with "What ho!" is very well connected with many upper class and aristocratic friends and acquaintances with silly nicknames given them at School or their club. The author has an amazing imagination, to be able to write the two in one plot, and Anty's very convoluted way of speaking, involving many stories and anecdotes before getting to the point. For readers who like complicated plots and imaginative dialogue, this book, and others in the series are a lot of fun.
September 8, 2025
The 10th book in a very twisted fun mystery that has Anty trying to prove the innocence of the Inspector Ivor who was found over a body in a locked room. Anty finds while traveling to Fray to take on the case, he runs into Ivor's nephew, a constable called upon to find his uncle guilty. With lots of laughs especially when Ivor and Anty takes on Ivor's identity and visa versa! This mystery is so twisted your head is spinning while you try to figure it out with Anty. As in the title, Red Herrings galore fill the pages! What fun this 10th book is. There was a moment where Anty had do deal with something personal that hit you when you read about it. I can't wait for more Anty. I highly recommend this entire series including this latest book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 9, 2025
I promise you, I don't know how Mr. Fitzsimmons does it. I don't know if he writes his book, then goes back with his theaarus and does his rhyming thing, or if the rhyming thing just comes naturally to him. Whichever it is, it boggles my mind. He does all of the rhyming mentioned, tells an excellent murder mystery (usually a locked room mystery), pours out enough sarcasm to sink a ship, and portrays the English aristocracy of the 1920s with tongue firmly in cheek. It is a delight from start to finish. And all along the way, he manages to make me giggle. What's not to love? I highly recommend this series for those who love murder mysteries and enjoy it when the characters don't take themselves too seriously. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
August 17, 2025
This book certainly lives up to it's title. It's the usual fun and mayhem that you expect in this series but there's even more red herrings everywhere this time as Anty sets out to prove Inspector Wittersham's innocence of the murder of an imprisoned man. Add a lot of characters who are all intent on finding a Domesday artifact and it ends up as manic and enjoyable as ever, never mind confusing!
This had me riveted throughout while trying to keep a straight face when reading on the bus. Highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This had me riveted throughout while trying to keep a straight face when reading on the bus. Highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
I always enjoy getting into PJ Fitzsimmons' murder mystery books, it had that element that I was wanting and was engaged from the first page and how it continues this storyline. It was a great tenth entry in the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries series and thought it had that whodunnit element that I was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. It was everything that I was wanting and enjoyed in the genre and was glad it worked so well in this overall feel. It left me wanting to read more in this series and from PJ Fitzsimmons.
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.
August 19, 2025
What ho!
Another absolutely amazing Anty Boisjoly romp. Anty is called to the county of Fray to help prove that his friend and counterpoint, Inspector Wittersham, is innocent of the murder of an infamous criminal. Even the Inspector insists only he could have done it. But with a manor house full of eccentric guests (even Anty's mama!), who are there for another reason, Anty must sort through the lies, misrememberances, and goat miasma for the truth. Twists and turns abound to this reader's delight.
Another absolutely amazing Anty Boisjoly romp. Anty is called to the county of Fray to help prove that his friend and counterpoint, Inspector Wittersham, is innocent of the murder of an infamous criminal. Even the Inspector insists only he could have done it. But with a manor house full of eccentric guests (even Anty's mama!), who are there for another reason, Anty must sort through the lies, misrememberances, and goat miasma for the truth. Twists and turns abound to this reader's delight.
August 22, 2025
What do I say that I haven't already said in earlier reviews of the books in this series? Exhausting, fun, funny, over-the-top, and a darned good mystery. As usual, all the clues were there but separating them from all the ongoing craziness was nearly impossible for me. In my defense, I was along for the ride, not really to figure out whodunit and why they done it. I gave up separating the proverbial wheat from the chaff several books ago. I still enjoyed this book and am already looking forward to the next.
November 13, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you for copy of this highly amusing mystery. If you’re a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, then you will be delighted to know about this charming detective. Because this was further along in the series, I felt like I needed to catch up or ask myself questions in order to follow along, but then I just sat back and was taken along on a journey. I am a big Wodehouse fan, and don’t know about this writer. Will be seeking out more to be sure.
Thank you for copy of this highly amusing mystery. If you’re a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, then you will be delighted to know about this charming detective. Because this was further along in the series, I felt like I needed to catch up or ask myself questions in order to follow along, but then I just sat back and was taken along on a journey. I am a big Wodehouse fan, and don’t know about this writer. Will be seeking out more to be sure.
August 25, 2025
Wodehouse is no longer with us, thank God that P.J. Fitzsimmons is and P.J. Fitzsimmons has done it again. How he can keep coming up with the witty dialog without repeating himself after ten Anty Boisjoly novels I can't imagine, but he does! Number ten in the series finds Anty back at Canterfell Hall solving the most misleading mystery he has ever faced and in prime fashion.
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.
August 14, 2025
This book lives up to its' name- twisted red herrings. It's suspenseful, dramatic, humorous, has quirky characters, and the intrepid Anty is tenacious in his pursuits to get to the bottom of it all. This was like going through a maze- continual twists and turns until the end. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
August 25, 2025
Anty does it again!
I love the Anty Boisjoly mysteries and this is no exception. Being the 10th Anty mystery, it calls back to the first one, with some of the same characters. I chuckled throughout and had an idea of what was at the heart of the mystery, but got the who wrong. I bet a group like the Mischief Theater Co. would be great at staging a TV or theater version of this.
I love the Anty Boisjoly mysteries and this is no exception. Being the 10th Anty mystery, it calls back to the first one, with some of the same characters. I chuckled throughout and had an idea of what was at the heart of the mystery, but got the who wrong. I bet a group like the Mischief Theater Co. would be great at staging a TV or theater version of this.
September 4, 2025
The best in the series lately. I adore Anty and his antics. This particular book made me laugh out loud so many times and despite the author's assurance that you can figure out the mystery on your own, I never do; and I'm ok with that.
Seeing the more human side of Ivor and Anty, as the former is accused of murder and the latter deals with his father's death, was very nice and I found myself misty eyed at that last page. But for the most part we are treated to the charming, lighthearted view of murder and mayhem Anty is always encountering.
A great read for those who enjoy some humor with their murder and vice versa.
Thank you to BookSirens for my review copy.
Seeing the more human side of Ivor and Anty, as the former is accused of murder and the latter deals with his father's death, was very nice and I found myself misty eyed at that last page. But for the most part we are treated to the charming, lighthearted view of murder and mayhem Anty is always encountering.
A great read for those who enjoy some humor with their murder and vice versa.
Thank you to BookSirens for my review copy.
August 14, 2025
Each & Every Anty book is a delightful read!
Wit. Humor. Word play and a clever mystery.
The gangs all here as Anty has to save the day and solve the crime.
This particular story also features a goat and the Doomsday book.
So it's a pretty spectacular adventure.
Wit. Humor. Word play and a clever mystery.
The gangs all here as Anty has to save the day and solve the crime.
This particular story also features a goat and the Doomsday book.
So it's a pretty spectacular adventure.
August 19, 2025
Another great outing for Anty. He lands back in the Surrey countryside to clear Inspector Ivor Wittersham of the charge of murder. Among the suspects are Anty's own mother, his fellow club member, Fiddles Halifax, Vickers and a goat.
August 21, 2025
Better and better
So many twists and turns! Anty and Constable investigate a murder where the main suspect is Inspector Ivor, with Mama, Vickers, Fiddles, and other friends filling out the list. A really great yarn, with lots of clever and witty banter. Highly recommended.
So many twists and turns! Anty and Constable investigate a murder where the main suspect is Inspector Ivor, with Mama, Vickers, Fiddles, and other friends filling out the list. A really great yarn, with lots of clever and witty banter. Highly recommended.
August 23, 2025
Always a fun read
The Anty Boisjoly series of mysteries are my secret pleasure. I have read them all and have read all of them at least a second time. The False Clue (and all the other words in the title) is maybe the best of the series.
The Anty Boisjoly series of mysteries are my secret pleasure. I have read them all and have read all of them at least a second time. The False Clue (and all the other words in the title) is maybe the best of the series.
September 1, 2025
This one was more subdued because it was personal for Anty and his mama. Nevertheless, it was still witty and there was one goat. The highlight for me was when Inspector Wittisham and Anty switched identities. Entirely hilarious!
October 23, 2025
I received a ARC free from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I love locked room murders.
Delightful.
Laugh out loud funny.
A witty, fun read.
Enjoyable.
Satisfying.
Humor and suspense. What a great combination.
Amazing writing.
Don't miss.
I love locked room murders.
Delightful.
Laugh out loud funny.
A witty, fun read.
Enjoyable.
Satisfying.
Humor and suspense. What a great combination.
Amazing writing.
Don't miss.
August 15, 2025
Am I the only one who ships Anty and Ivor? 🙈
Read
August 22, 2025Glad Anty Back
Anty makes me laugh out loud. And was sad about his Father being really dead. Thanks for Anty and his wonderful Crazy family and friends.
Anty makes me laugh out loud. And was sad about his Father being really dead. Thanks for Anty and his wonderful Crazy family and friends.
September 13, 2025
good
An Enjoyable historical mystery. I am looking forward to hearing more from the loquacious amateur detective. Characters are developing nicely
An Enjoyable historical mystery. I am looking forward to hearing more from the loquacious amateur detective. Characters are developing nicely
September 13, 2025
Humor with a murder mystery, yes please. This isn't a serious book, except for the murder. It was a nice change of pace. Looking forward to more.
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