What do you think?
Rate this book
Anty Boisjoly Mysteries #5
Reckoning at the Riviera Royale
Anty travels to the Riviera to finally have that awkward ‘did you murder my father’ conversation with his mother, but instead finds himself in the ticklish position of defending her and an innocent elephant against charges of a murder that no one could have committed.
Anty Boisjoly is a serious experiment in a whimsical line — Christie-esque locked-room mysteries written in the style of PG Wodehouse. Like all Anty Boisjoly mysteries, Reckoning at the Riviera Royale is a stand-alone stumper populated with eccentric characters and improbable plots and numerous subplots, and it’s best enjoyed by those who like a little humour in their whodunnit.
Anty Boisjoly is a serious experiment in a whimsical line — Christie-esque locked-room mysteries written in the style of PG Wodehouse. Like all Anty Boisjoly mysteries, Reckoning at the Riviera Royale is a stand-alone stumper populated with eccentric characters and improbable plots and numerous subplots, and it’s best enjoyed by those who like a little humour in their whodunnit.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2022
About the author
P.J. Fitzsimmons
15 books302 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 102 reviews
March 21, 2023
Anty is in Cap Royale, an island, if you can call it that, on the French Riviera visiting his mother. Anty expects to confront her about his father's demise and instead discovers a new murder! A floating circus has made anchor at Cap Royale and the clown, Malandrino the Magnificent, has been killed by Thumpy, the elephant. Circus owner Deebee Digby plans to execute Thumpy in magnificent style by electrocution. Anty finds the situation barbaric and sets out to prove Thumpy's innocence. Along the way he discovers long lost family, the woman of his dreams, professional and personal jealous rivalries, a scheme to cheat the casino and one nervous elephant.
I read this first when I was too tired to appreciate it. It's very witty and clever with wordplay and red herrings galore. It was too clever for my tired brain and I had to read it again to fully understand everything that had happened. At first I almost didn't read it because I can't stand cruelty to animals. I also found Anty's sympathy a little out of character for the time and place but he balances his sympathy for the elephant with casual dismissal of the idea of animal acts in general. Note- this circus lacks a sideshow element at least. I was a little disappointed Anty doesn't solve the murder he came to figure out but that leaves more intrigue for future adventures.
I just love Anty's antics. He's a member of the Juniper Club which is a thinly disguised Drones Club from the Jeeves and Wooster stories. His stories about his club members are hilarious and Bertie, Bingo, Oofy and the other Drones Club members are retooled as Bertie's club mates. Anty's relationship with his mother is distant. Cleo comes across as a terrible mother. She could never remember his birthday and never bothers to know anything about her own son. He even suspects she murdered dear old Papa! Yes Papa was a drunken sot who was going to inevitable end up in front of a tram anyway but that doesn't mean someone had the right to take his life. Was it Cleo? She's so very cold and uncaring. All she seems to care about is baccarat/her own pleasure. She would be right at home with her 1920s botox face on one of those Real Housewives shows- "Real Housewives of the Riviera 1927". At least her pleasures keep her away from Kensington. She shows little care for Vickers too and is astonished Anty kept him on.
The Magnificent Malandrino was, as his name implies, bad. He was cruel, cold-hearted and cutthroat. Malandrino looked out for #1 only. He trained Thumpy the elephant with cruel use of a spiked whip and therefore made Thumpy afraid of him. It caused Thumpy to do whatever the trainer wanted, in this instance, appear to be afraid of a mouse. However, it may have cost Malandrino his life. Frankly I wouldn't blame poor Thumpy for acting in self-defense. He could have also accidentally trampled Malandrino to death. However, it does seem as if a human killed the clown.
There are any number of suspects. It seems everyone hated Malandrino, aside from Deebee, who was like a brother to the clown. Deebee's circus was made with Malandrino as the headline act. He certainly has no motive to kill his star. Commodore Wairing is the captain of the boat for the traveling circus. The poor man has perpetual bad luck. He can't seem to catch a break and is in danger of losing everything. Commodore Waring has a secret from his past that gives him motive to kill Malandrino. But why now? So much time has passed. Is it because the Commodore has had it with his luck and hopes with Malandrino out of the picture his luck will improve? It sure has not so far. I like the poor Commodore and don't see him having the guts to kill anyone.
Bidelia Mimpley and Myrtle Biddicomb, known collectively as the biddies, are elderly spinsters obsessed with the circus and particularly Malandrino. Both ladies are in love with him and each thinks he is in love with her. Did one find out he was sending love letters to her rival? How would a little old lady trample a man to death? Biddicomb is the more flamboyant one and eager to be involved in the circus life and love a man who doesn't love her back. Mimpley is more pragmatic and thoughtful. If either of them killed the clown, it was Biddi but maybe they did it together.
Max Minefield, the theater critic, is the most likely suspect. He has a horrible personality and enjoys putting down each circus he reviews. He delights when they close for good and loves it when he ruins an act's career. He was sharpening his pen on Malandrino and I don't think there was any love lost between them. Another excellent suspect is Norton Bean aka Beano aka The Astounding Bounding Bean. He is the new headline act replacing Malandrino. THAT is the best motive of all. There was clear professional rivalry between them and tons of jealousy. There was personal motivation as well.
What about Anty's newfound relative Aunt Jacqueline and her daughter Chadwick? Why has Anty never heard of them before? Are they legit or are they confidence tricksters? Anty falls in love at first drink with Chadwick. She's delightful because she shares his preference for cocktails, gambling and is intelligent and witty. I don't trust either of them. I don't think they are who they say they are and may have followed Malandrino to murder him. They seem suspicious to me in a too free and easy manner and Jacqueline seems to think Anty, of all people, is boring. None of these people are very likable. I didn't really care which one of them did it.
Vickers is playing more and more of an important role. He may not remember much but when he does, he has valuable clues and insight into what's going on. The best new character is “Rémy Beaujolais, the hotel concierge. What happened to no more characters with the same name? No matter as Anty prefers to be on a first name basis rather than have his surname mispronounced. Rémy's interpretation of English is hilarious. I didn't understand everything he said or what some of the dishes he was serving were but it was really funny. Honorable mention goes to poor Thumpy. He's kept in a cage the entire time with only the Commodore to look after him. He's been tortured, accused of murder and is such a sweet, gentle animal. He deserves better and I know we know better now, thankfully, but readers must be aware that in the 1920s, likely the reality would have been a lot worse. Thumpy is very sweet and I hope he has a long and happier future if Anty can figure out who actually killed Malandrino.
Another excellent adventure for Anty. He's always a lot of fun and I enjoy spending time in his world.
Content:
animal abuse
Murder (off page, obviously)
a widow lady goes to the stateroom of an unmarried man with him- whispers and rumors of improper conduct but nothing untoward happens
I read this first when I was too tired to appreciate it. It's very witty and clever with wordplay and red herrings galore. It was too clever for my tired brain and I had to read it again to fully understand everything that had happened. At first I almost didn't read it because I can't stand cruelty to animals. I also found Anty's sympathy a little out of character for the time and place but he balances his sympathy for the elephant with casual dismissal of the idea of animal acts in general. Note- this circus lacks a sideshow element at least. I was a little disappointed Anty doesn't solve the murder he came to figure out but that leaves more intrigue for future adventures.
I just love Anty's antics. He's a member of the Juniper Club which is a thinly disguised Drones Club from the Jeeves and Wooster stories. His stories about his club members are hilarious and Bertie, Bingo, Oofy and the other Drones Club members are retooled as Bertie's club mates. Anty's relationship with his mother is distant. Cleo comes across as a terrible mother. She could never remember his birthday and never bothers to know anything about her own son. He even suspects she murdered dear old Papa! Yes Papa was a drunken sot who was going to inevitable end up in front of a tram anyway but that doesn't mean someone had the right to take his life. Was it Cleo? She's so very cold and uncaring. All she seems to care about is baccarat/her own pleasure. She would be right at home with her 1920s botox face on one of those Real Housewives shows- "Real Housewives of the Riviera 1927". At least her pleasures keep her away from Kensington. She shows little care for Vickers too and is astonished Anty kept him on.
The Magnificent Malandrino was, as his name implies, bad. He was cruel, cold-hearted and cutthroat. Malandrino looked out for #1 only. He trained Thumpy the elephant with cruel use of a spiked whip and therefore made Thumpy afraid of him. It caused Thumpy to do whatever the trainer wanted, in this instance, appear to be afraid of a mouse. However, it may have cost Malandrino his life. Frankly I wouldn't blame poor Thumpy for acting in self-defense. He could have also accidentally trampled Malandrino to death. However, it does seem as if a human killed the clown.
There are any number of suspects. It seems everyone hated Malandrino, aside from Deebee, who was like a brother to the clown. Deebee's circus was made with Malandrino as the headline act. He certainly has no motive to kill his star. Commodore Wairing is the captain of the boat for the traveling circus. The poor man has perpetual bad luck. He can't seem to catch a break and is in danger of losing everything. Commodore Waring has a secret from his past that gives him motive to kill Malandrino. But why now? So much time has passed. Is it because the Commodore has had it with his luck and hopes with Malandrino out of the picture his luck will improve? It sure has not so far. I like the poor Commodore and don't see him having the guts to kill anyone.
Bidelia Mimpley and Myrtle Biddicomb, known collectively as the biddies, are elderly spinsters obsessed with the circus and particularly Malandrino. Both ladies are in love with him and each thinks he is in love with her. Did one find out he was sending love letters to her rival? How would a little old lady trample a man to death? Biddicomb is the more flamboyant one and eager to be involved in the circus life and love a man who doesn't love her back. Mimpley is more pragmatic and thoughtful. If either of them killed the clown, it was Biddi but maybe they did it together.
Max Minefield, the theater critic, is the most likely suspect. He has a horrible personality and enjoys putting down each circus he reviews. He delights when they close for good and loves it when he ruins an act's career. He was sharpening his pen on Malandrino and I don't think there was any love lost between them. Another excellent suspect is Norton Bean aka Beano aka The Astounding Bounding Bean. He is the new headline act replacing Malandrino. THAT is the best motive of all. There was clear professional rivalry between them and tons of jealousy. There was personal motivation as well.
What about Anty's newfound relative Aunt Jacqueline and her daughter Chadwick? Why has Anty never heard of them before? Are they legit or are they confidence tricksters? Anty falls in love at first drink with Chadwick. She's delightful because she shares his preference for cocktails, gambling and is intelligent and witty. I don't trust either of them. I don't think they are who they say they are and may have followed Malandrino to murder him. They seem suspicious to me in a too free and easy manner and Jacqueline seems to think Anty, of all people, is boring. None of these people are very likable. I didn't really care which one of them did it.
Vickers is playing more and more of an important role. He may not remember much but when he does, he has valuable clues and insight into what's going on. The best new character is “Rémy Beaujolais, the hotel concierge. What happened to no more characters with the same name? No matter as Anty prefers to be on a first name basis rather than have his surname mispronounced. Rémy's interpretation of English is hilarious. I didn't understand everything he said or what some of the dishes he was serving were but it was really funny. Honorable mention goes to poor Thumpy. He's kept in a cage the entire time with only the Commodore to look after him. He's been tortured, accused of murder and is such a sweet, gentle animal. He deserves better and I know we know better now, thankfully, but readers must be aware that in the 1920s, likely the reality would have been a lot worse. Thumpy is very sweet and I hope he has a long and happier future if Anty can figure out who actually killed Malandrino.
Another excellent adventure for Anty. He's always a lot of fun and I enjoy spending time in his world.
Content:
animal abuse
Murder (off page, obviously)
a widow lady goes to the stateroom of an unmarried man with him- whispers and rumors of improper conduct but nothing untoward happens
January 26, 2023
I can't recall how many of these Anty books I have read, but figured I could enjoy reading it throughout a sleepless night due to the usual humorous antics, unusual situations and expected confrontation with his mother on the subject of the death of his father. Some of it amused and some of it annoyed but I think that was just due to my sleepless state. Anty is a memorable comic character.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
January 4, 2023
I loved being back in the world of Any Boisjoly! While visiting his Mom at the Riviera, Anty gets pulled into another murder case; this time defending an elephant accused of murder. This lighthearted, humorous mystery was fun to read. I did not figure this one out; I was having too much fun enjoying the story. The cast of characters fit well into the world that Fitzsimmons has created. This includes the leader of the Cirque d'Azur which is touring the Riviera by steam yacht; the Commodore who sails this fine vessel; various circus performers; hangers-on; and hotel guests. They were quirky and full of secrets and they all had a motive for the murder. I enjoyed the impossible crime and the resolution was one I did not see coming. This mystery was full of witticisms, word play, and puns and I loved it!
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.
January 14, 2024
I tend to enjoy Fitzsimmons' fun plays with words and silly banter. It has a strong Wodehouse feel to it usually. This time there were several places where it got old. What I don't know is if that was me or the story.
The mysteries (there were several) were a lot of fun to figure out with plenty of twists and red herrings. One, I totally didn't get and I even wonder if Anty has been bamboozled still. We'll see...
I will definitely read the next. Maybe that'll tell me if the fun word play has ceased being fun for me or if it was just an odd moment.
The mysteries (there were several) were a lot of fun to figure out with plenty of twists and red herrings. One, I totally didn't get and I even wonder if Anty has been bamboozled still. We'll see...
I will definitely read the next. Maybe that'll tell me if the fun word play has ceased being fun for me or if it was just an odd moment.
December 9, 2022
RECKONING AT THE RIVIERA ROYALE is the latest installment of PJ Fitzsimmons' Anty Boisjoly Mystery, and it was a delightful break from the more heavy stories I have been reading.
The snarky, sarcastic, smarty pants Anty is compelled to join his mother in the Riviera and comes upon a murderous elephant that has a limited engagement with the circus in which it performs. Anty can't help himself, and sets out to prove the elephant innocent, but in doing so risks implicating any number of the members of this tight group, including his own mother. Following the somewhat odd death of his father, Anty is not above wondering about dear old mum.
This is a very different situation for Anty, as a floating circus in the Riviera. It is a bit if a stretch, but these are not historical nonfiction stories, so there we have it. I was delighted to again wander into the snarky and astute observations of Anty Boisjoly. This particular mystery had complications that made it an impossible puzzle for me, and an amusing finale.
The writing of this story felt easier to follow, and it may be that I am used to all the alliteration and fanciful language. I admit this isn't my favorite of his stories, but it was a fun read and I will continue to pick up this cozy mystery series!
Thank you to @booksirens
for the digital ARC of this story! I believe it is available to purchase now and I would definitely recommend it for the cozy mystery fan who enjoys a bit more sass!
The snarky, sarcastic, smarty pants Anty is compelled to join his mother in the Riviera and comes upon a murderous elephant that has a limited engagement with the circus in which it performs. Anty can't help himself, and sets out to prove the elephant innocent, but in doing so risks implicating any number of the members of this tight group, including his own mother. Following the somewhat odd death of his father, Anty is not above wondering about dear old mum.
This is a very different situation for Anty, as a floating circus in the Riviera. It is a bit if a stretch, but these are not historical nonfiction stories, so there we have it. I was delighted to again wander into the snarky and astute observations of Anty Boisjoly. This particular mystery had complications that made it an impossible puzzle for me, and an amusing finale.
The writing of this story felt easier to follow, and it may be that I am used to all the alliteration and fanciful language. I admit this isn't my favorite of his stories, but it was a fun read and I will continue to pick up this cozy mystery series!
Thank you to @booksirens
for the digital ARC of this story! I believe it is available to purchase now and I would definitely recommend it for the cozy mystery fan who enjoys a bit more sass!
December 22, 2022
Another classic by P.J. Fitzsimmons. This is another Antony Boisjoly murder mystery. This book is little different from other previous book because in this Igor Vittersham is missing. Antony alone solves the mystery and also there is some love life as well. In this story Antony a juniper club member is called by her mother to Riviera royale. When he reaches there already a murder has been committed. How Antony solves the mystery is the story. All the characters in this book are here in Riveria for circus show where a elephant is going to be executed. So how Antony comes to his character of a detective and identifies the murderer is the remain part of the story. This book title reckoning as such because Antony travels to Riveria for 'did you kill my father' conversation with his mother. But there the situation is altogether different. Overall I would say a very very awesome Goodreads....😊
January 22, 2026
The setting is an island locale where the circus is performing. I'm not a fan of the circus, and one of those reasons is animal usage, so I was a little nervous going in, but the author did not disappoint. There was the proper amount of disgust for animal abuse from the main character Anty, who has been a lover of animals in past books, so I should have known. In fact his love for animals is one of his more endearing qualities. In this book, he makes friends with an elephant. In the end, the circus setting ended up being a bonus rather than a detriment and I found myself wanting to be back in the book.
Anty calls his mom Mumsters at one point which I thoroughly enjoyed. There are lots of nicknames to help you remember characters.
Still enjoying this series. Planning to start the next book ASAP.
Anty calls his mom Mumsters at one point which I thoroughly enjoyed. There are lots of nicknames to help you remember characters.
Still enjoying this series. Planning to start the next book ASAP.
December 2, 2022
I received a free ARC from Booksirens to read and review.
Cosy mysteries are generally a go-to read for me, and I was hoping that this might be a historical murder mystery with an Agatha Christie feel.
I thought the writing in general was good, and it had the typical feel of the cosy crime genre. It was a cheerful, light-hearted and entertaining mystery story.
I didn't really connect or identify with any of the characters, but I did find some of their behaviour and interactions with each other to be amusing. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, and I wonder if it may have made a difference if I had.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for a free copy to review.
Cosy mysteries are generally a go-to read for me, and I was hoping that this might be a historical murder mystery with an Agatha Christie feel.
I thought the writing in general was good, and it had the typical feel of the cosy crime genre. It was a cheerful, light-hearted and entertaining mystery story.
I didn't really connect or identify with any of the characters, but I did find some of their behaviour and interactions with each other to be amusing. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, and I wonder if it may have made a difference if I had.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for a free copy to review.
May 10, 2026
A sheer delight. I love these novels, playing on the PG Wodehouse Jeeves and Wooster series. Unlike them, which I could never get into, the Wooster character is actually very brilliant at solving the puzzle of often more than one murder. It's the delightful word play and witines that I love. All tremendously unbelievable but that's what makes it so much fun. I look forward to every one.
June 29, 2024
The mystery was too convoluted, but I liked how the drama with his mother was resolved
April 12, 2025
A mother’s love. Oh! And the death of a circus clown.
December 20, 2022
Anty's antics in the South of France.
Please do yourself the favour of reading the previous four books featuring the clubbable, wealthy and conflicted character of our detective hero. Some of these plots and outcomes are mentioned in this volume so some of the surprise will be deflated by reading out of order. You will also be schooled in how to correctly pronounce our hero's name.
There is still humour in this text, but seems a bit darker as it also calls into question Anty's mother's morals and conduct. The victim seems to be universally disliked so suspects are numerous, although only Anty seems to be on the side of the murderer in the frame and in danger of being executed without due process. The story is set in the South of France and takes place in casinos, hotels, beaches and boats.
The author has a very playful streak and deployed many writing skills in entertaining us. Alluring allusions of alliteration all over with an ear for uniform euphony when read aloud. Descriptions were deepened by using several senses within the scenes and we were even treated to lyrics of a song.
I thought the resolution where the culprit was conned into confessing was clever as well as satisfying. However, the device by which the murder was done has been used in other books.
Intriguing, entertaining, entices me to read more of these antics.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please do yourself the favour of reading the previous four books featuring the clubbable, wealthy and conflicted character of our detective hero. Some of these plots and outcomes are mentioned in this volume so some of the surprise will be deflated by reading out of order. You will also be schooled in how to correctly pronounce our hero's name.
There is still humour in this text, but seems a bit darker as it also calls into question Anty's mother's morals and conduct. The victim seems to be universally disliked so suspects are numerous, although only Anty seems to be on the side of the murderer in the frame and in danger of being executed without due process. The story is set in the South of France and takes place in casinos, hotels, beaches and boats.
The author has a very playful streak and deployed many writing skills in entertaining us. Alluring allusions of alliteration all over with an ear for uniform euphony when read aloud. Descriptions were deepened by using several senses within the scenes and we were even treated to lyrics of a song.
I thought the resolution where the culprit was conned into confessing was clever as well as satisfying. However, the device by which the murder was done has been used in other books.
Intriguing, entertaining, entices me to read more of these antics.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2026
I would say this, at least in my opinion, is probably the weakest entry in the Anty Boisjoly series to date. It was fine, as things go, but I felt things got a tad silly a tad too often.
My feeling a bit down on this might be because it was the first book in which that Inspector Wittersham wasn't worked into Anty's day-to-day life (a shame, as he's a great character). That being said, there were some decent characters in this one to make up for the lack. There were also a fair few decidedly forgettable characters who, despite having import to the story, just never really stuck long in my mind. There were then others, such as The Astounding Bounding Bean, who simply would not be ignored and will be with me for a good long while afterwards.
I enjoyed Anty's hunt for justice and his desire to save a, hopefully, innocent elephant from being executed for a crime Anty was sure he didn't commit. But, beyond that, a few interactions with some of the characters, very little of this book will live long in my memory. I think the fact that, unlike the other entries in the series, this was not a locked room mystery, also had something to do with my lacklustre feelings. Everything about it felt a tad forced to my mind and, because of that, I never truly felt Anty had the chance to be at his best.
I did enjoy the ending, and the way things went with Anty and his mother in the closing pages. The highlights of this book dragged it up from a 2 to a 3
My feeling a bit down on this might be because it was the first book in which that Inspector Wittersham wasn't worked into Anty's day-to-day life (a shame, as he's a great character). That being said, there were some decent characters in this one to make up for the lack. There were also a fair few decidedly forgettable characters who, despite having import to the story, just never really stuck long in my mind. There were then others, such as The Astounding Bounding Bean, who simply would not be ignored and will be with me for a good long while afterwards.
I enjoyed Anty's hunt for justice and his desire to save a, hopefully, innocent elephant from being executed for a crime Anty was sure he didn't commit. But, beyond that, a few interactions with some of the characters, very little of this book will live long in my memory. I think the fact that, unlike the other entries in the series, this was not a locked room mystery, also had something to do with my lacklustre feelings. Everything about it felt a tad forced to my mind and, because of that, I never truly felt Anty had the chance to be at his best.
I did enjoy the ending, and the way things went with Anty and his mother in the closing pages. The highlights of this book dragged it up from a 2 to a 3
May 20, 2026
Anty is off to the French Riviera at the invitation of his mother. They have a strained relationship, but Anty goes because he thinks this will be a good chance to confront his mother over a nagging question about his father’s death. But when he arrives, he discovers there’s been a more recent death. There’s a floating circus on the island where Anty is, but the headliner has been killed, trampled to death by his elephant. The animal is set to be executed for this crime, but Anty isn’t buying it. Can he find the real culprit in time to spare the beast?
I was happy when my schedule allowed me to slip in the next book in the Anty series. While this is the wildest case he’s taken on yet (pun always intended), the book does take the murder seriously with a good number of suspects and motives leading to the logical climax. Only Anty and his valet return here, but the rest of the suspects feel real while also maximizing comedic potential. And yes, the dry wit is still on full display. At times, it could be tone down, but I was still laughing as I puzzled over the clues. This book is a circus in the best way possible and fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was happy when my schedule allowed me to slip in the next book in the Anty series. While this is the wildest case he’s taken on yet (pun always intended), the book does take the murder seriously with a good number of suspects and motives leading to the logical climax. Only Anty and his valet return here, but the rest of the suspects feel real while also maximizing comedic potential. And yes, the dry wit is still on full display. At times, it could be tone down, but I was still laughing as I puzzled over the clues. This book is a circus in the best way possible and fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2022
This was my first book by PJ Fitzsimmons. This is book 5 in the Anty Boisjoly series but much like an Agatha Christie novel these do very well as standalones. I had no idea about the characters going into this read but was very impressed with the depth of character development within the story. I have seen mixed reviews on the intriguing dialogue between the characters, but it truly is what made this story for me. This is exactly how I believe these aristocratic characters would've bantered with one another and it was very fun. Considering this is book 5, Anty appears to often find himself in predicament in which he must solve a murder that occurs and has a knack for detail which helps. I thoroughly enjoyed the backdrop of the Rivera and the author does a great drop of making you feel like you are right there at the baccarat table with protagonist and his mother. After further research apparently, she was a new character brought into this book but plays an epic role. I don't want to give any spoilers but through in a Circus and elephant and you got yourself a sophisticated wild ride.
August 12, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is the second Ante Boisjoy adventure I've read - plus Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall, the first in the much later Teddy Quillfeather series - Teddy is a distant cousin by marriage on Ante's mother's side. These books are very PG Wodehouse -esque and similarly mildly amusing for lots of reasons, for one example, the rather silly names of the characters (hints in the book titles) and the sillier nick names given them. However, Ante investigates murders and other crimes albeit in rather unconventional ways and with a constantly chipper attitude. These are stories about the rich, sometimes titled upper class at play in the roaring 20s. How much is fictional and how much based in reality I wouldn't like to say. Thoroughly entertaining, light but intriguing book set in a world cleverly written by this author to be quite believable with a satisfactory ending. Perfect for a restful interlude between more serious, modern murder mysteries! I shall be reading more.
November 21, 2023
This one started out a bit rough, it was not very engaging and did not hold my attention well. The first third of the book is setting up a very large cast of characters and the setting, as usual. But the setting is an island resort of sorts plus a yacht, and a circus (!) all at the same time, and it was so abstracted and difficult to visualize that it was difficult to engage with. A map would have helped.
But once things are settled, it begins to become interesting and pulled me in as usual. Anty is less witty and sharp in this book than usual, probably because his mother is around and her presence seems to dampen his usually unflappable spirits. The mystery is an odd one: a man is found crushed to a pulp in an elephant's cage; the elephant is declared to have stomped him to death.
The solution is... implausible, to put it mildly, but I cannot really critique without too many spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
But once things are settled, it begins to become interesting and pulled me in as usual. Anty is less witty and sharp in this book than usual, probably because his mother is around and her presence seems to dampen his usually unflappable spirits. The mystery is an odd one: a man is found crushed to a pulp in an elephant's cage; the elephant is declared to have stomped him to death.
The solution is... implausible, to put it mildly, but I cannot really critique without too many spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
March 21, 2024
This may be my favorite in the series so far. I didn’t find myself getting confused by the names or the overcomplicated plot. The setting was lovely and I enjoyed meeting some new characters.
The circus theme… was fine. Unfortunately, for anybody reading this that doesn’t know, there was a real electrocution of an elephant named Topsy at Coney Island in 1903. She killed a drunk spectator who reportedly abused her and the circus decided they could no longer handle her “bad” behavior. The event was by invitation only and filmed by the Edison company in one of the first early films. I had to watch it for one of my classes in film school and I am still scarred by it. Spoiler alert, no harm comes to the elephant in this book, on page at least, but I kept reliving that film in my mind, which I didn’t like.
Other than that I am happy with this installment in the series and look forward to continuing.
The circus theme… was fine. Unfortunately, for anybody reading this that doesn’t know, there was a real electrocution of an elephant named Topsy at Coney Island in 1903. She killed a drunk spectator who reportedly abused her and the circus decided they could no longer handle her “bad” behavior. The event was by invitation only and filmed by the Edison company in one of the first early films. I had to watch it for one of my classes in film school and I am still scarred by it. Spoiler alert, no harm comes to the elephant in this book, on page at least, but I kept reliving that film in my mind, which I didn’t like.
Other than that I am happy with this installment in the series and look forward to continuing.
September 11, 2023
In “Reckoning at the Riviera Royale” (2022) by PJ Fitzsimmons, Anthony (Anty) Boisjoly visits a small island off southern France to visit his mother to discuss the circumstances surrounding the death of his father. Upon arriving at the island, he finds that an elephant owned by a visiting circus is accused of killing a clown and decides to defend the elephant by discovering the real killer. This is the fifth book in the series. The plot is a good one with numerous eccentric characters and parts of the book are hilarious. Someone has described one of the earlier books in the series as a cross between PJ Wodehouse and Agatha Christie. It’s an apt description. You can read this one without having read the first four, but why not treat yourself to all five. It’s one of the most enjoyable series I have read in years. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2022
The Anty Boisjoly Mysteries are fun, full of crazy happenings, sarcasm and mystery! This book in the series is no exception! Anty is traveling to the Riviera to confront his mother about the death of his father. We are treated to a few murders, with a possible murderous elephant, Anty's mother who Anty suspects killed his father and is a suspect in a murder, a pair of cons, and plenty of twists, turns and red-herrings! This is a fun mystery in the very Wodehouse-esk style with lots of sarcasm, snark and strange conversations. I really like this series and this book doesn't disappoint as you laugh along trying to figure out the puzzle. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions here are strictly my own.
December 30, 2022
I don’t care for circuses, and gambling makes me nervous. Yet there was much to enjoy in this latest escapade of Anty Boisjoly. As much as I prefer the English countryside, or even busy London, this Riviera resort was described with Fitzsimmon’s predictable wit. Anty’s conversations with both his foggy and ancient valet, Vickers, and his distant and emotionless mother were droll and endearing. With a confusingly large cast of characters, I never saw the end of this multiple-murder mystery coming. And the last couple pages were the best! I always love each new book in this series, and they’ve become the standard by which I judge all similar stories (and find them lacking). I received a complimentary copy of this book via BookSirens and was not required to post a review.
February 11, 2024
This is the first book in the series that I've read, so I'm very late to the party. This group of eccentric and diverse people add such flavor and dimension to a zany mystery that kept changing as I read it. I'm an animal lover, so my main concern was making sure no harm befell him. The
banter, snark and interactions of this cast of people kept me reading and guessing to no avail. Thankfully, the big reveal sorted it out, because I couldn't. Anty and his mother have a special and different relationship that I enjoyed. The humor in the story is boundless- at least it was for me. I need more of this new found author in my life!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
banter, snark and interactions of this cast of people kept me reading and guessing to no avail. Thankfully, the big reveal sorted it out, because I couldn't. Anty and his mother have a special and different relationship that I enjoyed. The humor in the story is boundless- at least it was for me. I need more of this new found author in my life!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
November 29, 2022
I really enjoy Anty Boisjoly's breezy banter and cheerful sarcasm. This is the third novel I've read narrated by this creation of PJ Fitzsimmons. While The Ghost of Christmas Morning was terrific because of its strong evocation of the holiday season, the Wodehousian wordplay is even stronger in Reckoning at the Riviera Royale. The mystery isn't overly compelling but it's enough to carry you through. The humor and agreeable nature of its protagonist are very winning and after all, are the real reason to read these books.
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.
December 13, 2022
I'm a big fan of this series and this was another great read. This time Anty is determined to prove the innocence of a circus elephant who is about to be electrocuted for murdering his trainer.
The plot is as implausible as ever but the writing style and the hilarious and sometimes baffling conversations make it all worthwhile and I always find myself reading with a big smile on my face. Even better this time round, we get to meet Anty's mother which adds even more to the mix. Can't wait to read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot is as implausible as ever but the writing style and the hilarious and sometimes baffling conversations make it all worthwhile and I always find myself reading with a big smile on my face. Even better this time round, we get to meet Anty's mother which adds even more to the mix. Can't wait to read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2022
Finally! In this rollicking mystery, not only do we get more witticisms from Anty and an elephant accused of murder but finally get the introduction to Anty’s mother. I thought I’d miss the Inspector during this escapade, but the addition of Mrs. Boisjoly is great. She makes a good foil for Anty. Throwing back shade and sarcasm, we see exactly where Anty comes from. Once again, I tried my best to figure out the mystery but really just enjoyed sitting back and let it unfold. Allusions to Anty’s father’s death are made and I will be reading the next book in hopes that we get that story.
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.
March 4, 2023
This is the most entertaining Anty mystery yet in my opinion. I love how the author's alliterative style ebbs and flows throughout these books and I never get tired of it. Fitzsimmons' dialogue in all the Anty books is clever, but here it is absolutely nonstop, every paragraph, every sentence hilarious in a subtle way that you only catch two paragraphs later and you have to go back to reread because you want to relive the joke again and again.
The plot of Reckoning at the Riviera is well-written and more detailed and tightly drawn than in, for instance, the first Anty book whose plot did not seem as believable or well sketched-out (not that I minded). This is all the more surprising since the series of events in this book are highly unusual!
We meet Anty's mother in this book which could have meant an awkward digression from the main story. However, it was skillfully done and made an important part of the plot. I will not give any spoilers as to whether you will like the mother's character but I will say that you will be glad you met her.
The plot of Reckoning at the Riviera is well-written and more detailed and tightly drawn than in, for instance, the first Anty book whose plot did not seem as believable or well sketched-out (not that I minded). This is all the more surprising since the series of events in this book are highly unusual!
We meet Anty's mother in this book which could have meant an awkward digression from the main story. However, it was skillfully done and made an important part of the plot. I will not give any spoilers as to whether you will like the mother's character but I will say that you will be glad you met her.
December 20, 2023
Audio, narrated by Tim Bruce
Another Anthony Boisjoly frolic. This one was as entertaining, fun, and laugh out loud funny as they all are, with a change of scenery to boot. I really appreciated the somewhat unusual cast of characters, as well as some closure regarding the issues with Mother.
As always, Bruce is an outstanding narrator. He has such range, and does a really great job making each character stand out and come to life.
In sum, it’s a very fun series for anyone who enjoys witty writing, clever wordplay, mysteries, and/or the high life in 1920s England with quite a bit of the Wodehouse flair.
Another Anthony Boisjoly frolic. This one was as entertaining, fun, and laugh out loud funny as they all are, with a change of scenery to boot. I really appreciated the somewhat unusual cast of characters, as well as some closure regarding the issues with Mother.
As always, Bruce is an outstanding narrator. He has such range, and does a really great job making each character stand out and come to life.
In sum, it’s a very fun series for anyone who enjoys witty writing, clever wordplay, mysteries, and/or the high life in 1920s England with quite a bit of the Wodehouse flair.
December 7, 2022
Channeling PG Wodehouse was never more fun!
If you are or have been or might in the future be a fan of the writing style of PG Wodehouse, then you should immediately purchase all of the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries of PJ Fitzsimmons and thank me later. Even if you don’t thank me later you will be immensely gratified that Mr Fitzsimmons Mysteries so closely follow the great master’s epic style that you might well suspect that PG Wodehouse was actually responsible somehow for these fine entertaining tomes. Seriously. Read them.
If you are or have been or might in the future be a fan of the writing style of PG Wodehouse, then you should immediately purchase all of the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries of PJ Fitzsimmons and thank me later. Even if you don’t thank me later you will be immensely gratified that Mr Fitzsimmons Mysteries so closely follow the great master’s epic style that you might well suspect that PG Wodehouse was actually responsible somehow for these fine entertaining tomes. Seriously. Read them.
June 2, 2023
In a series of idiosyncratic books, I think this is the most peculiar of them, at least until now. Mr. Fitzsimmons goes to extremes to make a locked room murder out of a whole island. The book is not bad, it's just too "Boisjoly". Everything is too tailored to fit in the story. But Mr. Fitzsimmons certainly shows no lack of imagination. Although I don't care for another
January 31, 2024
I'm very sorry to say that this did not live up to the other Anty Boisjoly mysteries.
I felt there were too many characters. I really had hard time keeping up with who was who, who each one was conning and in the end, although I know who committed the murders and how, I still couldn't quite comprehend all the rest of what happened.
But, this one book does not keep me from loving Anty and I will be looking forward to each new book. (Every one has a bad day now and then and I am assuming that is what happened to the author)
I felt there were too many characters. I really had hard time keeping up with who was who, who each one was conning and in the end, although I know who committed the murders and how, I still couldn't quite comprehend all the rest of what happened.
But, this one book does not keep me from loving Anty and I will be looking forward to each new book. (Every one has a bad day now and then and I am assuming that is what happened to the author)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews