What do you think?
Rate this book
Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations #1
The Pig in the Derby Hat: Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations No.1
Young Clementine Trussel didn’t go looking for the supernatural. It found her.
When a small pig wearing a derby hat falls out of her Granny’s window, Clementine is inclined to believe she’s seeing things. Only someone else saw it too, the mysterious Theophilius Gout, and he claims to be an expert in the paranormal.
There is definitely something odd about the fat, tweed-clad man, and when her Granny falls deathly ill, Clementine is uneasy entrusting her recovery to a stranger. Even one as enigmatic as Mr Gout. Besides, he seems more interested in the cakes from her parents’ bakery than anything…otherworldly.
But with her grandmother's life, and Clementine's own future, hanging in the balance, she is forced to follow him into a world of magic and monsters hidden in the shadows of her quiet hometown.
Will they be in time to save her Granny? Is Mr Gout what he claims to be? And just what exactly is the pig in the derby hat?
This book is a novelette or short read and can be read in about an hour.
When a small pig wearing a derby hat falls out of her Granny’s window, Clementine is inclined to believe she’s seeing things. Only someone else saw it too, the mysterious Theophilius Gout, and he claims to be an expert in the paranormal.
There is definitely something odd about the fat, tweed-clad man, and when her Granny falls deathly ill, Clementine is uneasy entrusting her recovery to a stranger. Even one as enigmatic as Mr Gout. Besides, he seems more interested in the cakes from her parents’ bakery than anything…otherworldly.
But with her grandmother's life, and Clementine's own future, hanging in the balance, she is forced to follow him into a world of magic and monsters hidden in the shadows of her quiet hometown.
Will they be in time to save her Granny? Is Mr Gout what he claims to be? And just what exactly is the pig in the derby hat?
This book is a novelette or short read and can be read in about an hour.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
57 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
February 20, 2024
Fun, cozy, paranormal mystery! I really enjoyed this story, the characters were delightful and quirky, especially Trussel and Gout. I only wish it was longer! Looking forward to book two in the series.
January 12, 2023
5 stars.
A lovely cosy read.
Reading this with a hot beverage for an hour was a delight.
The characters were quirky and endearing, and the pacing, while only being a short book, didn't feel rushed.
A lovely cosy read.
Reading this with a hot beverage for an hour was a delight.
The characters were quirky and endearing, and the pacing, while only being a short book, didn't feel rushed.
June 23, 2023
short and sweet
very much the start I kinda wish it was longer
very much the start I kinda wish it was longer
November 16, 2023
I had no idea if this would be for me before I read it but it felt really cosy, and very endearingly British without being pretentious. I couldn't read about Mr Gout's antics without a) fancying a baked good or three and b) grinning wildly. Would have happily read another 100 pages. A super fast enjoyable 40 odd page read.
June 11, 2023
Funny, cozy and cute short story! I went in with no expectations really, is not the type of story I read regularly, but I was pleasantly surprised. The whole mystery solving plot was very well executed. It was very fun!
December 3, 2023
This book was so cute! I loved the writing style. It reminded me of Dr. Who, but written as a serialized fiction piece like the early Sherlock Holmes. I can’t wait to read the next stories in the series!
July 18, 2024
This was a delightful short read. This book is just 39 pages, and I read it in one sitting, but the author still manages to create a fun and well-rounded story that can be enjoyed by anyone.
The eccentric Mr Gout is rarely seen without something sweet in his hand, and Clementine Trussel brings a childlike curiosity and open mind to their adventure.
Clementine and Mr Gout must team up to save her grandmother's life from, well, a pig in a Derby hat! This story made me laugh and warm my heart.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The eccentric Mr Gout is rarely seen without something sweet in his hand, and Clementine Trussel brings a childlike curiosity and open mind to their adventure.
Clementine and Mr Gout must team up to save her grandmother's life from, well, a pig in a Derby hat! This story made me laugh and warm my heart.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐷 🔎
This was a very engaging novella!
Clementine is just trying to do her work at the bakery and take care of her grandma when she witnesses a pig in a derby hat fall from her grandma’s window. That, coupled with meeting the most peculiar man sets Clementine on a course that will change her life forever.
Monsters. Baked Goods. Paranormal Mystery. Where can you go wrong?
🐷 🔎
This was a very engaging novella!
Clementine is just trying to do her work at the bakery and take care of her grandma when she witnesses a pig in a derby hat fall from her grandma’s window. That, coupled with meeting the most peculiar man sets Clementine on a course that will change her life forever.
Monsters. Baked Goods. Paranormal Mystery. Where can you go wrong?
May 6, 2022
This was so fun!
February 7, 2023
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
I just love these short reads of Theophilius Gout and his paranormal investigations. Such a character! I just wish there were more books or perhaps a novella or two.
I just love these short reads of Theophilius Gout and his paranormal investigations. Such a character! I just wish there were more books or perhaps a novella or two.
August 29, 2023
Loved this! Not usually a fan of shorter stories, but this was bloody lovely. Cozy, charming and full of funny moments. My only grumble is that I want more!! Onto the next one! :)
December 8, 2023
Quirky, cozy, funny, exciting, brilliant characters, unique story and a bit of danger, all in only 39 pages!!!
May 1, 2022
Short, but excellent
The style and tone remind me of Terry Pratchett, which I love. I look forward to more adventures! Definitely worth reading.
The style and tone remind me of Terry Pratchett, which I love. I look forward to more adventures! Definitely worth reading.
May 8, 2022
Utterly charming short read. The characters are very vibrant and it reads with much ease (which is not always a given on a debut novel!). I loved Mr Gout and his fondness for food.
Overall I've enjoyed it tremendously and am looking forward to the next one
Overall I've enjoyed it tremendously and am looking forward to the next one
December 31, 2023
This had been something I wanted to read ever since I first came across Martin's TikTok page, and thanks to him including it in stuff your kindle day, I was able to take advantage and grab myself a copy.
Being a short read, meant I was able to digest the whole story in around half an hour and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. It really was a fun and cosy story to lose yourself in, but builds enough intrigue and curiosity to want to continue reading about Trussel and Gout and what happens beyond the confines of the bakery.
I can imagine this as an animated mini-series, and I think it would do well.
Definitely going to check out the other books in the series, and thoroughly recommend this one to anybody looking for a quick but high quality read.
Being a short read, meant I was able to digest the whole story in around half an hour and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. It really was a fun and cosy story to lose yourself in, but builds enough intrigue and curiosity to want to continue reading about Trussel and Gout and what happens beyond the confines of the bakery.
I can imagine this as an animated mini-series, and I think it would do well.
Definitely going to check out the other books in the series, and thoroughly recommend this one to anybody looking for a quick but high quality read.
May 8, 2022
A charming, funny and quirky paranormal mystery in the style of the best of British comedy writers. The Pig in the Derby Hat is the first of what promises to be a wonderful series of short reads about the paranormal investigative team of the tweed-clad Mr Theophilus Gout, and Miss Clementine Trussell, an expert with a Victoria Sponge. These are fabulous main characters but the supporting characters are equally quirky and well drawn and the dialogue is particularly well-done. Highly recommended. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book's refreshing take on paranormal investigation stories. The case it uses feels familiar, but the story's delightful characters and details (like the tale's monster wearing a derby hat) have managed to draw you in and keep me entertained from start to finish. Upon finishing, I was compelled to get the rest of the books.
The characters really are the strongest aspect of The Pig in the Derby Hat. Mr Theophilious Gout is oh-so-charming in the most English way possible, a quality just as amusing as his great appetite. Clementine Trussel, his uncertain sidekick trying to save her grandmother from a monster, is compelling for her bravery and ability to adapt to the scary but extraordinary new reality Mr Gout introduces her to.
We're also given one or two interesting details about the society Clementine lives in - Mr Gout is kind of in a world of his own. The book could've done with a bit more world-building, but sticking to the point of a story is something I appreciate, and The Pig in the Derby Hat does exactly that.
It's a short but very entertaining story with fairytale echoes. It gently pulls heartstrings, while making you laugh and taking you on a thrilling little adventure. Children would probably love this book, too!
The characters really are the strongest aspect of The Pig in the Derby Hat. Mr Theophilious Gout is oh-so-charming in the most English way possible, a quality just as amusing as his great appetite. Clementine Trussel, his uncertain sidekick trying to save her grandmother from a monster, is compelling for her bravery and ability to adapt to the scary but extraordinary new reality Mr Gout introduces her to.
We're also given one or two interesting details about the society Clementine lives in - Mr Gout is kind of in a world of his own. The book could've done with a bit more world-building, but sticking to the point of a story is something I appreciate, and The Pig in the Derby Hat does exactly that.
It's a short but very entertaining story with fairytale echoes. It gently pulls heartstrings, while making you laugh and taking you on a thrilling little adventure. Children would probably love this book, too!
October 14, 2023
The moment i started this book i was reminded of a skit from The Might Boosh where a man could tell if a book was worth reading by the first sentence. Only in this case i had decided by the end of the second sentence as I could feel myself grinning and already falling in love with the use of language and instant feeling of whimsy. I also read the entire thing in the authors voice having followed him on tiktok for a while😂
This novella was an absolute delight to read, theres really no other way to put it. It is very short and i read it with my morning cuppa which coincidentally went very well with the story! The style of writing and world building is very similar to Neil Gaimans style so fans of Gaiman would likely enjoy this story too.
My only niggle with this story is that its too short, however there is a series of follow up stories already out so i guess i'll be adding them to my TBR 😂
This novella was an absolute delight to read, theres really no other way to put it. It is very short and i read it with my morning cuppa which coincidentally went very well with the story! The style of writing and world building is very similar to Neil Gaimans style so fans of Gaiman would likely enjoy this story too.
My only niggle with this story is that its too short, however there is a series of follow up stories already out so i guess i'll be adding them to my TBR 😂
June 3, 2022
A short read but so worth it
A short read but so worth it, a cosy fantasy mystery book.
Clementine is working in the bakery her days a simple but long, she begins to worry about her elderly grandmother, who is ill, though a regular occurrence, she still worry’s and rightly so, when one day she sees the impossible, a Pig wearing a Derby hat, dropping down from her granny’s window. It seems the pig could be the reason for her granny’s ill health.
Mr Gout is an unusual man, who loves all things sweet, he seems to have an oddity about him, but it’s part of his charm.
He agrees to help Clementine and her family, he knows things about the paranormal that most do not.
This is such a charming book, I immediately fell in love with all the characters, have already bought book two. If you like cosy fantasy mystery then this is for you.
A short read but so worth it, a cosy fantasy mystery book.
Clementine is working in the bakery her days a simple but long, she begins to worry about her elderly grandmother, who is ill, though a regular occurrence, she still worry’s and rightly so, when one day she sees the impossible, a Pig wearing a Derby hat, dropping down from her granny’s window. It seems the pig could be the reason for her granny’s ill health.
Mr Gout is an unusual man, who loves all things sweet, he seems to have an oddity about him, but it’s part of his charm.
He agrees to help Clementine and her family, he knows things about the paranormal that most do not.
This is such a charming book, I immediately fell in love with all the characters, have already bought book two. If you like cosy fantasy mystery then this is for you.
June 7, 2022
I've been waiting to read this story since I met M.A. Knights in IG-land a couple years back! And...I LOVED IT SO MUCH!
It's crisp pace kept me moving right along! His language and flow picked me up and carried me through the strange and wondrous almost cheerful mystery!
I LOVED the classic-ness of it! Small UK village! The average main character sliding under the wing of someone just on the other side of fantastic! Reminded me of Doctor Who in that way -- and the humor!
Are you a fan of Terry Pratchett? You'll love this! Knight walks that line, in my mind, of paying homage to what he so loves all the while making it his own!
Go read this story! You can do it in a sitting!
My only complaint is that there isn't MORE! (Oh, wait! There is one more...and hopefully more coming?? Mr. Knight??)
It's crisp pace kept me moving right along! His language and flow picked me up and carried me through the strange and wondrous almost cheerful mystery!
I LOVED the classic-ness of it! Small UK village! The average main character sliding under the wing of someone just on the other side of fantastic! Reminded me of Doctor Who in that way -- and the humor!
Are you a fan of Terry Pratchett? You'll love this! Knight walks that line, in my mind, of paying homage to what he so loves all the while making it his own!
Go read this story! You can do it in a sitting!
My only complaint is that there isn't MORE! (Oh, wait! There is one more...and hopefully more coming?? Mr. Knight??)
June 12, 2023
This is a delightful little tale of magic and mystery!
If you have seen Martin Knights on TikTok you may already be aware of this series of novellas, of which The Pig in the Derby Hat is one. This is a lovely little cosy fantasy mystery starring the young Clementine Trussel and the marvellously named Theophilius Gout - an eccentric paranormal investigator. Although Clementine is our protagonist and narrator, Knights' own voice sings through the writing.
The writing is wry and witty with characters you cannot fail to be delighted by. Who couldn't love someone who adores cake as much as Mr Gout does? I am beginning to wonder, however, if his name is somewhat of an inevitability health-wise!
This a very cute little mystery with a lovely tale of long lost love at its heart. It is, quite simply, gorgeous!
My plan now is to read the rest of the trilogy!
If you have seen Martin Knights on TikTok you may already be aware of this series of novellas, of which The Pig in the Derby Hat is one. This is a lovely little cosy fantasy mystery starring the young Clementine Trussel and the marvellously named Theophilius Gout - an eccentric paranormal investigator. Although Clementine is our protagonist and narrator, Knights' own voice sings through the writing.
The writing is wry and witty with characters you cannot fail to be delighted by. Who couldn't love someone who adores cake as much as Mr Gout does? I am beginning to wonder, however, if his name is somewhat of an inevitability health-wise!
This a very cute little mystery with a lovely tale of long lost love at its heart. It is, quite simply, gorgeous!
My plan now is to read the rest of the trilogy!
July 14, 2023
I bought this book on a whim because of the title. Then – as is usually the way – it languished on my Kindle for over a year before I finally got around to reading it. To my surprise, it was a novelette of only 45 pages which I consumed in a lunch break along with my sandwich, smiling the whole time because it was very amusing. I suppose I should have expected this, given the title.
A strange partnership develops between the baker’s daughter Clementine Trussel and the extraordinary paranormal investigator, Theophilius Gout, who breezes into her life one day and tells her that her Grandmother is being attacked by a weird, undead creature – the eponymous pig in the Derby hat.
Succinct, quirky, humorous, and strangely addictive. I have a feeling this is just the beginning for Trussel and Gout and will be looking for more books by this author.
A strange partnership develops between the baker’s daughter Clementine Trussel and the extraordinary paranormal investigator, Theophilius Gout, who breezes into her life one day and tells her that her Grandmother is being attacked by a weird, undead creature – the eponymous pig in the Derby hat.
Succinct, quirky, humorous, and strangely addictive. I have a feeling this is just the beginning for Trussel and Gout and will be looking for more books by this author.
July 20, 2023
I stumbled across the author of this book on TikTok &, when I saw it was only 55 pages, I thought why not - not expecting to actually enjoy it as much as I did haha!
This novella was a peculiar little read that's reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes / Professor Layton. I honestly went into it expecting a funny little story, that didn't entirely make sense, but was thoroughly entertaining & it was exactly that. Was it a particularly ground breaking read? No, but for what it was, it was a lot of fun.
I have to say though, hats off (hehe get it) to the author for the writing, it was very well written. Every word felt like it had a place, the lack of waffle was impressive. This author has a bright career ahead of him, great job.
This novella was a peculiar little read that's reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes / Professor Layton. I honestly went into it expecting a funny little story, that didn't entirely make sense, but was thoroughly entertaining & it was exactly that. Was it a particularly ground breaking read? No, but for what it was, it was a lot of fun.
I have to say though, hats off (hehe get it) to the author for the writing, it was very well written. Every word felt like it had a place, the lack of waffle was impressive. This author has a bright career ahead of him, great job.
August 28, 2023
A very fun and fast cozy read. I initially stumbled upon the author on booktok, agreed with a lot of his recommendations, and was extra intrigued by his mentioning of Lud in the Mist in several videos (anyone that into fantasy is going to get my attention). I was a bit wary as his tastes tend to skew a little more cozy that I like (as much as I want to, I just can’t get into Becky Chambers or Travis Baldree), but I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the book! Although short, the plot was significantly more engaging than both Chambers and Baldree and I thought the writing was playful and, while lacking the zaniness, reminded me a bit of Jasper Fforde. Looking forward to reading the others in the series!
January 14, 2023
This was an interesting, quick, and easy opener to a series, but the MMC was quite chaotic and at times the story was somewhat difficult to read without needing to reread parts. It opens with a suggestion of a manuscript that's then abandoned, though. If you're a stickler for punctuation (and in the US, as I'm not sure if there are differences where the author is located) note that 'x' is used for dialogue rather than "x" along with a few other differences which threw me a bit, but was fine. I downloaded the next book and it was much calmer to read, which I appreciated.
June 3, 2023
This was an absolutely delightful read. I stumbled across the author via my FYP on TikTok and was, well, understandably reluctant because BookTok has gifted me with some absolute STINKERS.
I am thrilled to say this is not one of those. It’s a short read, but it grabbed me almost immediately. The paranormal element is so well done and it was based on a mythology I, sadly, know very little about (I will now be googling to learn more).
All in all, this was a banger of a start to a series I will definitely be reading more of.
I am thrilled to say this is not one of those. It’s a short read, but it grabbed me almost immediately. The paranormal element is so well done and it was based on a mythology I, sadly, know very little about (I will now be googling to learn more).
All in all, this was a banger of a start to a series I will definitely be reading more of.
July 1, 2023
I saw this author on tiktok and I decided to pick up his book on Kindle unlimited or ku as it was advertised as a short read what I really needed at the time this was a definitely a cozy fantasy book and I was eating my crumpets while reading the book A Very British thing to do 😉 this book was amazing I love how it had a bakery in it and it described a lot of the cakes and the chocolate eclair with orange filling of something like that I don't know what to say about this book it was whimsical and funny and I just love both of the characters and can't wait to read the second one
July 22, 2023
I stumbled across this series through Booktok. The advertisement caught my attention with promises of awkward British humor, tea and cake, and cozy villages; the perfect little book for an odd mystery, fantasy, and tea lover like me.
I was not disappointed. Gout in particular is a fun character, and I love the absurd pig in a Derby Hat form for the Alp, a creature who could have been quite gruesome but instead was made silly. I do wish that Miss Trussel were a little more defined and I wanted more detail at times, but I really it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to more!
I was not disappointed. Gout in particular is a fun character, and I love the absurd pig in a Derby Hat form for the Alp, a creature who could have been quite gruesome but instead was made silly. I do wish that Miss Trussel were a little more defined and I wanted more detail at times, but I really it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it was fun and gentle but still action-packed. My only criticism is that I wish it had been longer! If it had been a full-length novel, there might have been room for more character development and more information on the events themselves. Having said that the author managed in a short amount of time to build a convincing world and the character of Mr Gout was well defined.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
January 2, 2023
This was an absolute delight! Incredibly fast novella to read that kicks off what I’m sure will be an amazing series about Trussel and Gout.
This was just what the doctor ordered - a quick, cozy, adorable read with lovable and quirky characters and amazing promise for more stories to come. M.A. Knights creates delightful characters and I cannot wait to learn more about the enigmatic Mr. Gout.
A must read for any lover of cozy fantasy!
This was just what the doctor ordered - a quick, cozy, adorable read with lovable and quirky characters and amazing promise for more stories to come. M.A. Knights creates delightful characters and I cannot wait to learn more about the enigmatic Mr. Gout.
A must read for any lover of cozy fantasy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews