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Horton Halfpott; or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s Corset
Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Tom Angleberger
84 books794 followersTom Angleberger artist-turned-writer. He is a columnist for the Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, and began work on his first book while in middle school. Tom is married to author-illustrator Cece Bell. He lives in Christianburg, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
February 2, 2012
Horton was a poor , miserable servant in the neat and strict Smugwick Manor. When the grouchy Lady of the Manor (M’Lady Luggertuck) loosens up her corset , everything goes crazy! Apparently her corset is what made M’Lady so grouchy and strict. After she loosened her corset, all the rules of the Manor are broken but what is even worse, the Luggertuck Lump (a priceless family heirloom) is stolen! The Luggertuck family goes even crazier trying to find who took it. Horton realizes that the detective that comes to investigate just wants to eat and pretty much can’t do his job. Horton finds himself getting blamed for the theft. Horton and his friends, the snooping stable boys (Bump, Blemish, and Blight), decide that they have to catch the real thief!
This book was hilarious! The characters in the books were really great. The names are even funny, like Loafburton (the baker). There were also The Shipless Pirates, a cranky cook and kooky relatives in the Manor (among others)! The book is set in Victorian times and I think it helped the story be even more funny. There are some illustrations in the book that show what the characters look like, but the story is the best part of the book. I think the book it’s good for any age because there is no violence or bad words and Mr. Angleberger just writes really well for kids (Mr. Angleberger also writes the Origami Yoda series). Although I loved just reading about all the funny characters, I think the mystery part of the book really made the story and I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone!
This book was hilarious! The characters in the books were really great. The names are even funny, like Loafburton (the baker). There were also The Shipless Pirates, a cranky cook and kooky relatives in the Manor (among others)! The book is set in Victorian times and I think it helped the story be even more funny. There are some illustrations in the book that show what the characters look like, but the story is the best part of the book. I think the book it’s good for any age because there is no violence or bad words and Mr. Angleberger just writes really well for kids (Mr. Angleberger also writes the Origami Yoda series). Although I loved just reading about all the funny characters, I think the mystery part of the book really made the story and I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone!
May 17, 2024
A farce set in a Dickensian country house. Which means the author can plunge right in, comfortable that we all know the place and time. He does not have to spend half his time world-building. He can concentrate on making the story funny. Other authors, take note!
July 23, 2012
“You see, the lives of servants are not lived by clocks, but by the ringing of their masters' bells.”
―Horton Halfpott: or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset, P. 17
Tom Angleberger seems to have entered into that select group of authors elevated in common thought as being particularly good at writing for boy readers. At their best, his books are so much more than just that, but never does he fail to produce writing that is remarkably suited to the young male mind, displaying the mixture of humor and quick-moving plot that made Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate series and Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid so popular. Though not quite the artist that either of those two authors is, Tom Angleberger uses his sketchy drawing style to add atmosphere to stories that sway from zany to mildly serious and back again, all while never stepping out of the underlying style of quirky humor that puts many typical boy readers at ease. Tom Angleberger's books aren't your average novels, but they're not just collections of goofy humor, either. He knows how to write a story that has genuine value for dedicated readers, and Horton Halfpott is a pretty good example of how he manages to do this, in a setting far different from that of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.
The Luggertuck manor isn't always a nice place to be for its scores of servants and other underpaid employees. Most of what makes it not nice is the presence of M'Lady Luggertuck, mistress of the household, whose strict rules haven't seen a loosening in the entire time that the current employees can remember. But on the day that M'Lady decides to loosen her corset, all of the strict rules of the manor naturally follow course, and the place is no longer such an unpleasant one in which to live. For kitchen boy Horton Halfpott, not much has changed, however. Honest nearly to a fault, Horton can't bring himself to take advantage of the long overdue loosening, even when he becomes smitten with a special female guest of the Luggertuck family who arrives to stay with them leading up to a grand ball to be hosted in the next several weeks.
What Horton doesn't know is that M'Lady Luggertuck's scheming son, Luther, also has his eye on the young lady visitor, and is determined to make her go with him to the ball. Horton knows that he, himself, hasn't a chance with her; after all, he's still only a kitchen boy, and no girl from a family of high standing would want to attend a gala event with him when she could have her pick of the richest young nobles in the land. Yet Horton knows that Luther is certainly no prize, and fears what the warped heir-to-be might concoct to force the girl to go with him if she won't do so of her own volition.
When valuable belongings begin disappearing around the Luggertuck manor, Horton is fairly sure he knows who is responsible for the sudden wave of larceny. It's only a matter of time before Luther brings together whatever foul plan he's building, and when that happens, who knows what fate will befall Horton and the other servants? Maybe Horton has it in him to rise above his inhibitions and finally challenge Luther, to permanently stop him from taking what belongs to others and making their lives miserable. As the story progresses it becomes increasingly clear that everything will go down on the night of the grand ball, and Horton will have to be smart and prepared if he's to outwit Luther and save his own friends and family.
While I do prefer the Origami Yoda series, Tom Angleberger's sense of humor is on fine display in Horton Halfpott, and I had a nice time reading it. I'm hoping that there is at least one companion volume to this book, though, as there are loose ends to the story that I'd like to see traced to satisfactory conclusions. All in all, I would give Horton Halfpott at least one and a half stars.
―Horton Halfpott: or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset, P. 17
Tom Angleberger seems to have entered into that select group of authors elevated in common thought as being particularly good at writing for boy readers. At their best, his books are so much more than just that, but never does he fail to produce writing that is remarkably suited to the young male mind, displaying the mixture of humor and quick-moving plot that made Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate series and Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid so popular. Though not quite the artist that either of those two authors is, Tom Angleberger uses his sketchy drawing style to add atmosphere to stories that sway from zany to mildly serious and back again, all while never stepping out of the underlying style of quirky humor that puts many typical boy readers at ease. Tom Angleberger's books aren't your average novels, but they're not just collections of goofy humor, either. He knows how to write a story that has genuine value for dedicated readers, and Horton Halfpott is a pretty good example of how he manages to do this, in a setting far different from that of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.
The Luggertuck manor isn't always a nice place to be for its scores of servants and other underpaid employees. Most of what makes it not nice is the presence of M'Lady Luggertuck, mistress of the household, whose strict rules haven't seen a loosening in the entire time that the current employees can remember. But on the day that M'Lady decides to loosen her corset, all of the strict rules of the manor naturally follow course, and the place is no longer such an unpleasant one in which to live. For kitchen boy Horton Halfpott, not much has changed, however. Honest nearly to a fault, Horton can't bring himself to take advantage of the long overdue loosening, even when he becomes smitten with a special female guest of the Luggertuck family who arrives to stay with them leading up to a grand ball to be hosted in the next several weeks.
What Horton doesn't know is that M'Lady Luggertuck's scheming son, Luther, also has his eye on the young lady visitor, and is determined to make her go with him to the ball. Horton knows that he, himself, hasn't a chance with her; after all, he's still only a kitchen boy, and no girl from a family of high standing would want to attend a gala event with him when she could have her pick of the richest young nobles in the land. Yet Horton knows that Luther is certainly no prize, and fears what the warped heir-to-be might concoct to force the girl to go with him if she won't do so of her own volition.
When valuable belongings begin disappearing around the Luggertuck manor, Horton is fairly sure he knows who is responsible for the sudden wave of larceny. It's only a matter of time before Luther brings together whatever foul plan he's building, and when that happens, who knows what fate will befall Horton and the other servants? Maybe Horton has it in him to rise above his inhibitions and finally challenge Luther, to permanently stop him from taking what belongs to others and making their lives miserable. As the story progresses it becomes increasingly clear that everything will go down on the night of the grand ball, and Horton will have to be smart and prepared if he's to outwit Luther and save his own friends and family.
While I do prefer the Origami Yoda series, Tom Angleberger's sense of humor is on fine display in Horton Halfpott, and I had a nice time reading it. I'm hoping that there is at least one companion volume to this book, though, as there are loose ends to the story that I'd like to see traced to satisfactory conclusions. All in all, I would give Horton Halfpott at least one and a half stars.
July 3, 2012
Horton Halfpott is a playful poke at English Victorian aristocracy, written by Tom Angleberger with clever satire from an intimate, judgmental narrator. When we meet Horton, he is a lowly kitchen boy tirelessly scrubbing dishes day in and out for a penny per week. His employers, Lady Luggertuck and her horrid son, Luther, live a ridiculously high life while the servants are kept on gruel and bread crusts (one crust per day, mind you). Horton meets and falls in love with wealthy Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe, who is clearly above his station and seems to return the affection. When a series of thefts occurs in Smugwick Manor, a hunt for the thief ensues. The story wraps up with a romantic and entirely satisfying ending.
Humorous tween readers who are looking for something a little outside the typical realistic or historical fiction stories will appreciate Horton Halfpott. It’s a silly romp that includes a mystery, a tame romance, slapstick humor and crazy mistaken identities. The zaniness is anchored in “real” issues of class and society. Horton Halfpott is Upstairs Downstairs on a birthday-party sugar high.
Humorous tween readers who are looking for something a little outside the typical realistic or historical fiction stories will appreciate Horton Halfpott. It’s a silly romp that includes a mystery, a tame romance, slapstick humor and crazy mistaken identities. The zaniness is anchored in “real” issues of class and society. Horton Halfpott is Upstairs Downstairs on a birthday-party sugar high.
September 1, 2011
A positively delightful historical mystery farce. The trouble begins when M'Lady Luggertuck instructs her lady's maid, Crotty, to loosen her corset a bit. Everything starts to loosen all around and things start disappearing including the famous "lump" that has been in the family for ages. Horton, the hero, will have to figure it all out.
Written in a clever manner in a style with a bit of Dickens and a bit of Snickett. I loved this book and think kids would love it.
Waiting for a sequel.
Written in a clever manner in a style with a bit of Dickens and a bit of Snickett. I loved this book and think kids would love it.
Waiting for a sequel.
July 4, 2017
I don’t often use this phrase as a descriptor but I can’t think of a single more appropriate word for it, sooo at the risk of sounding like an owl, this book was a real hoot! 🦉 The wordy title alone ought to tip you off about what sort of book this is: Horton Halfpott and the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor OR The Loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s Corset.
This middle-grade novella clocking in at just over 200 pages is A Series of Unfortunate Events meets Harry Potter liberally peppered with Dickensian characters and his brand of sharp humor. Except in this case our hapless protagonist isn’t a penniless orphan. Nor is he actually a wizard, or targeted by a failed actor hell-bent on stealing his fortune.
Instead, young Horton Halfpott is a penniless kitchen boy employed at Smugwick Manor, up to his eyeballs in washing dirty dishes on a daily basis…that is when he’s not gathering precious logs of firewood or getting whacked in the head over and over by the slap-happy cook Miss Neversly and her trusty wooden spoon. His large family and ailing father live quite a distance away, but the ever devoted son, Horton puts them first time and time again...
Read full review on my blog at:
June 15, 2017
It reminded me a lot of the book about Ivy Pocket that I read last year. But this one was better and Horton wasn't such an irritating and stupid character as Ivy was.
I liked Bump, Blight and Blemish more then Horton, though.
I liked Bump, Blight and Blemish more then Horton, though.
May 27, 2017
That was very cute. Full review to come.
March 10, 2024
The author mentioned Charles Dickens twice but the book is more Roald Dahl, in my humble opinion.
3.5/5
3.5/5
April 2, 2025
Tom Angelberger is a genius.
May 21, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and honestly struggled. I really had a difficult time keeping track of characters and who was doing what.
But in the end, the story came together, and I gave this three stars because Angleberger's writing truly made me laugh out loud. I want to try reading Origami Yoda to see if it's any better.
But in the end, the story came together, and I gave this three stars because Angleberger's writing truly made me laugh out loud. I want to try reading Origami Yoda to see if it's any better.
January 14, 2011
I picked up a ARC of this book and got it signed while at ALAN this year. I really wanted to get something signed by the writer since I really enjoyed his book The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. Been reading Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger as my before bed read every since ALAN; which meant it took me way longer than usual to finish the books because I hardly ever go to bed on time and spend most of my nights writing. But every time I picked up this book and read a chapter I really loved what I read.
I have heard comparisons for this book to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and though I see that in some fashion I never think comparisons are fair and look at each book as what it is, it's own story. But if you want to compare it to the Lemony Snicket books to find readers for this book then go for it. I think anyone who enjoyed those books will enjoy Horton Halfpott.
This book has a great cast of characters given all the attention they need and no more, giving each scene all the attention it needs and no more, and gives the whole race of the story all the attention it needs and no more. Those things and more are way I really loved this story. The writer had a story to tell, he told it, and at no point in this tale did he waste the readers time on yelling "Hey, I'm a writer." but he is that. And also a very good writer. Very creative and tapping into a scene in a different way that I'm not reading in any other writing at the moment and that's what every writer in my view should strive for.
4 out of 5 stars
I have heard comparisons for this book to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and though I see that in some fashion I never think comparisons are fair and look at each book as what it is, it's own story. But if you want to compare it to the Lemony Snicket books to find readers for this book then go for it. I think anyone who enjoyed those books will enjoy Horton Halfpott.
This book has a great cast of characters given all the attention they need and no more, giving each scene all the attention it needs and no more, and gives the whole race of the story all the attention it needs and no more. Those things and more are way I really loved this story. The writer had a story to tell, he told it, and at no point in this tale did he waste the readers time on yelling "Hey, I'm a writer." but he is that. And also a very good writer. Very creative and tapping into a scene in a different way that I'm not reading in any other writing at the moment and that's what every writer in my view should strive for.
4 out of 5 stars
September 3, 2011
This is a perfect book for relunctant boy readers. It is funy, silly, and strange. There are shipless pirates bumbling detectives, disguises, and a stolen diamond known as The Lump. It would be a great starting novel for those who enjoy graphic novels because it is a descriptive but fast paced.
It sets up a household that is filled disgruntled workers and a spoiled noble family that is oblivious to anything other than their own needs. Horton is the kitchen boy with a good heart but bad things keep happening to him. He works for the Luggertuck's in Smugwick Manor. His only friends are the stable boys Blight, Bump, and Blemish but he might be falling in love with the visiting Lady Celia but don't worry! This is not a kissing book.
Wackiness ensues throughout the book! As I said earlier, this book will delight boys with it's irreverant humor and looniness. A lot of fun is packed into this book! Plus the cover glows in the dark.
It sets up a household that is filled disgruntled workers and a spoiled noble family that is oblivious to anything other than their own needs. Horton is the kitchen boy with a good heart but bad things keep happening to him. He works for the Luggertuck's in Smugwick Manor. His only friends are the stable boys Blight, Bump, and Blemish but he might be falling in love with the visiting Lady Celia but don't worry! This is not a kissing book.
Wackiness ensues throughout the book! As I said earlier, this book will delight boys with it's irreverant humor and looniness. A lot of fun is packed into this book! Plus the cover glows in the dark.
May 28, 2011
It amazes me that Angleberger can write something equally as amusing, yet totally different, as Origami Yoda. Horton Halfpott asks you to get your Edwardian/Victorian/Mystery!/Edward Gorey geek on and enjoy some plot twists (mostly predictable, but enjoyable all the same) and great one-liners. The mystery isn't all that hard, and he foreshadows quite obviously several events in this book and likely sequels. His writing, though, shines just as it did in Origami Yoda, with an original voice, even if all the content has been heard before. (Which is what keeps me from giving it 5 stars) A light read, go get it and have a little laugh.
November 22, 2011
It has been a long time since I've read such a lively, genuinely funny book. Please don't tell the author, but I think I may love this book even more than I love his Origami Yoda series! Horton is the kitchen boy who cannot break the rules but when he meets Celia, the wealthy young lady one manor over, all bets are off. In this rollicking tale, smelly stable boys best world renowned detectives, corsets are unloosened and much mud and mire is spattered about. A sweeter Series of Unfortunate Events married to Matilda, this book should be placed in the hands of as many readers as possible. This would be the perfect winter holiday read!
October 29, 2012
I must confess I was prepared not to like this book after reading the first page. I am not very enamored with the trend started with lemony Snicket of snarky narrators who dumb everything down for the reader by explaining everything. This book seemed to follow that trend.
But while the narrator does at time explain things, the writing is smart and funny and lends itself to the reader being able to do some thinking for themselves. I love the character names! And, who doesn't love a story with a happy ending!
But while the narrator does at time explain things, the writing is smart and funny and lends itself to the reader being able to do some thinking for themselves. I love the character names! And, who doesn't love a story with a happy ending!
November 7, 2011
This is another one I really wanted to love, because it sounded like just my sense of humor--absurdist British, ala P.G. Wodehouse (to whom I think I caught a veiled reference). I had hoped it would be as funny as Margaret Mahy's delightful 'Great Piratical Rumbustification,' but it just wasn't, and I don't know why. Oh well--it's a fun plot and I think kids will like it, if they appreciate books that play with language and make fun of the Victorians.
November 25, 2010
I am a big fan of Angleberger's The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, so I bought this book without caring what it was about... It is not like Origami Yoda-- more like Lemony Snicket, Lois Lowry's Birthday Ball, or The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place-- pure farce and fun in a Victorian setting.
December 19, 2010
Mmm, pickle eclairs!
May 31, 2011
Reread with ears- 4-26-12
First Reading: 6/13/11
Seriously-this book was awesome. I loved Origami Yoda, but this book really shows the talent Angleberger's pen contains. Well done.
First Reading: 6/13/11
Seriously-this book was awesome. I loved Origami Yoda, but this book really shows the talent Angleberger's pen contains. Well done.
July 12, 2011
Good source of robust vocabulary. All 3 of the characters are enjoying this, but it is hard to read aloud - M'Lady Lugertuck & Smugwick manor do not roll off the tongue...
November 5, 2011
Cute children's mystery with lots of very fun characters!
March 23, 2012
Very funny book with an excellent, intrusive narrator.
August 7, 2012
There was a whole lot going on in this book. I really couldn't get into it. I was really disappointed because, I really like his Origami Star Wars series. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 25, 2014
I think that this book was just a little over my head on the imaginative side. When it didn't use too much imagination it was really good.
June 29, 2025
This was a very entertaining book. It was random and fun with lots of unique characters. I fell in love with Horton and his goodness. There is even the sweetest romance. The villains are evil but funny. The book is one big joke but so entertaining. Read it for the characters!! It had a slight downtown abbey feel to it bc it was about servants taking care of a nobility’s house. The narrator was fantastic! He reminded me of Jim Dale and I really think he brought the story to life! This would make a great audiobook for the whole family. I love the authors illustrations too.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Fantastic first line: “There are so many exciting things in this book—a Stolen Diamond, snooping stable boys, a famous detective, the disappearance of a Valuable Wig, love, pickle éclairs, unbridled Evil, and the Black Deeds of the Shipless Pirates—that it really does seem a shame to begin with ladies’ underwear.” And it is a corset. Wearing A corset would make anyone ill tempered. So when she decided to loosen it for the first time ever, the whole house hold became less strict and sloppy! Luther is the evil heir! He is not just evil but annoying too. Bullies Horton. The two powers! “Ah, Luther, you scoundrel, if only you knew—the Loosening was just the beginning. Another preternatural force had been unleashed, and it was at that moment a’hurtling down upon Smugwick Manor like a summer thunderstorm. A force stronger than any other, with the power to fell a man in an instant. Love—yes, Love—was about to buffet the weathered stone of the manor, whose musty corridors had gone many fine years without it. It is the collision of these forces that interests us, Reader. For without the Loosening, Love would have found no foothold among the Luggertucks and would have winged its way onward.” Montgomery (the lady’s nephew) is in love with their neighbor Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe. So he will come and stay with them! The servants had one one a week where the cook and head housekeeper were gone that they could actually eat good food. But Horton would not break a rule and eat it! Bc his family is depending on his one measley coin he earns a week bc his dad is on his sick bed!! Luther’s evil plan is to steal Celia’s heart for her money. Bump is a stable boy and a super kind friend to Horton that just wishes for the best for his friend who never breaks rules! (Trey never breaks rules either so it totally reminds me of him!) then Horton runs into Celia on the road riding a bike! “Horton perceived her to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Not because of makeup or hairstyle, of which she seemed to have neither, but because of the smile she gave him. He had received few enough smiles in his life, and this was surely the best of the lot.” The stolen diamond is called “the lump.” I love that lord emberly (the grandpa) and Horton have a secret place at the library they meet and hang out at. Blemish, blight, and bump are activiting detectives to help find the lump for an award. The pirates were going to steal from hortan the leg of lamb but he said he was a servant and will be beaten if he doesn’t bring it. The handsome captain pirate said that they were all servants once so he won’t steal from him but off the table of the rich woman. I love that hortan can charm anyone with his guileless and honorable heart. I love these pirates! “It was indeed a sore subject, because these were Shipless Pirates. Oh yes, they’d had a ship once. The Very Scary Shark had been a fine ship. And the captain was in truth a fine captain. Though he plundered and looted, murdered and maimed, he always did it with a sense of fair play.” Horton broke a rule to find his best friend Bump who was missing. “It pays to be nice reader. Maybe not right away… but it will!” Bc he was so nice all the kitchen staff helped him escape when he was accused of stealing! Horton saves cilia from being kidnapped by pirates by tricking the evil cook into wearing the costume. Then Luther proposes marriage to her lol. Bc bumb blight and blemish solved the mystery, the detective offered them jobs at his agency! Cilia parents were old friends with his dad so they paid for his doctor and Horton ends up a guest at their house for the rest of the summer! They end up kissing and dancing and kissing again. ““And anyway, I don’t care if you work in a kitchen or not,” said Celia. “You’re a friend of mine and that’s all that matters.” And lo and behold, Reader, she kissed him. Now, she meant to just kiss him on the cheek, but by some little accident her lips went astray and landed upon his. Please, may we dwell on that for just a moment? It was the first kiss she ever gave and the first he ever got and neither one of them ever forgot exactly what it felt like. Then they danced—or at least Horton attempted to. He wasn’t doing well to start with and then he stepped in one of the splattered éclairs. But no matter! They laughed and talked and—yes, I will say it—kissed again.”
SPOILERS and book notes:
Fantastic first line: “There are so many exciting things in this book—a Stolen Diamond, snooping stable boys, a famous detective, the disappearance of a Valuable Wig, love, pickle éclairs, unbridled Evil, and the Black Deeds of the Shipless Pirates—that it really does seem a shame to begin with ladies’ underwear.” And it is a corset. Wearing A corset would make anyone ill tempered. So when she decided to loosen it for the first time ever, the whole house hold became less strict and sloppy! Luther is the evil heir! He is not just evil but annoying too. Bullies Horton. The two powers! “Ah, Luther, you scoundrel, if only you knew—the Loosening was just the beginning. Another preternatural force had been unleashed, and it was at that moment a’hurtling down upon Smugwick Manor like a summer thunderstorm. A force stronger than any other, with the power to fell a man in an instant. Love—yes, Love—was about to buffet the weathered stone of the manor, whose musty corridors had gone many fine years without it. It is the collision of these forces that interests us, Reader. For without the Loosening, Love would have found no foothold among the Luggertucks and would have winged its way onward.” Montgomery (the lady’s nephew) is in love with their neighbor Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe. So he will come and stay with them! The servants had one one a week where the cook and head housekeeper were gone that they could actually eat good food. But Horton would not break a rule and eat it! Bc his family is depending on his one measley coin he earns a week bc his dad is on his sick bed!! Luther’s evil plan is to steal Celia’s heart for her money. Bump is a stable boy and a super kind friend to Horton that just wishes for the best for his friend who never breaks rules! (Trey never breaks rules either so it totally reminds me of him!) then Horton runs into Celia on the road riding a bike! “Horton perceived her to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Not because of makeup or hairstyle, of which she seemed to have neither, but because of the smile she gave him. He had received few enough smiles in his life, and this was surely the best of the lot.” The stolen diamond is called “the lump.” I love that lord emberly (the grandpa) and Horton have a secret place at the library they meet and hang out at. Blemish, blight, and bump are activiting detectives to help find the lump for an award. The pirates were going to steal from hortan the leg of lamb but he said he was a servant and will be beaten if he doesn’t bring it. The handsome captain pirate said that they were all servants once so he won’t steal from him but off the table of the rich woman. I love that hortan can charm anyone with his guileless and honorable heart. I love these pirates! “It was indeed a sore subject, because these were Shipless Pirates. Oh yes, they’d had a ship once. The Very Scary Shark had been a fine ship. And the captain was in truth a fine captain. Though he plundered and looted, murdered and maimed, he always did it with a sense of fair play.” Horton broke a rule to find his best friend Bump who was missing. “It pays to be nice reader. Maybe not right away… but it will!” Bc he was so nice all the kitchen staff helped him escape when he was accused of stealing! Horton saves cilia from being kidnapped by pirates by tricking the evil cook into wearing the costume. Then Luther proposes marriage to her lol. Bc bumb blight and blemish solved the mystery, the detective offered them jobs at his agency! Cilia parents were old friends with his dad so they paid for his doctor and Horton ends up a guest at their house for the rest of the summer! They end up kissing and dancing and kissing again. ““And anyway, I don’t care if you work in a kitchen or not,” said Celia. “You’re a friend of mine and that’s all that matters.” And lo and behold, Reader, she kissed him. Now, she meant to just kiss him on the cheek, but by some little accident her lips went astray and landed upon his. Please, may we dwell on that for just a moment? It was the first kiss she ever gave and the first he ever got and neither one of them ever forgot exactly what it felt like. Then they danced—or at least Horton attempted to. He wasn’t doing well to start with and then he stepped in one of the splattered éclairs. But no matter! They laughed and talked and—yes, I will say it—kissed again.”
May 10, 2021
Plot
Horton is the lowest of the low amongst the Smugwick Manor staff. Whatever five or more course meals M'Lady Luggertuck comes up with, the chef cooks, and Horton is left in the kitchen cleaning every single dish. He's a very very honest boy who always follows the rules, even after the Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's corset. Why is this important? Well, M'Lady has always liked her corset pulled as tight as possible, causing her to be perpetually angry, but the day she requests it to be just a bit looser, everything in the manor changes. The family and staff can all sense something is different, and rules are getting broken. Not by Horton, however. He refuses to partake in any extracurricular activities with the other servants.
While delivering a letter to the [far off] neighbors, the Shortleys, Horton meets a visiting girl, Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe. She takes a liking to Horton, despite her title and his lowly status. However, a rather dull boy, Montgomery, was sent to the Smugwick manor to woo her, and Luther Luggertuck [the awful, scheming son of M'Lady] has devious plans for the girl. Luther's thefts in the mansion have caused a ruckus, but the stable boys are on the case to solve the mystery of the missing items. But when Luther's plan involves kidnapping Celia, the boys all band together to make their own plan to save Horton and the girl.
Review
I quite enjoyed this book. Horton was such a kind boy, and I was so happy that the stable boys Bump, Blight, and Blemish, were actually quite fond of Horton--I expected them to be cruel. This book is humorous, and has very strange character drawings that remind me of the art from
Home Movies. Part of me wishes there were other stories from the Smugwick manor, but I also appreciate that the author stopped at one. I'll have to read the Origami Yoda series instead.
Horton is the lowest of the low amongst the Smugwick Manor staff. Whatever five or more course meals M'Lady Luggertuck comes up with, the chef cooks, and Horton is left in the kitchen cleaning every single dish. He's a very very honest boy who always follows the rules, even after the Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's corset. Why is this important? Well, M'Lady has always liked her corset pulled as tight as possible, causing her to be perpetually angry, but the day she requests it to be just a bit looser, everything in the manor changes. The family and staff can all sense something is different, and rules are getting broken. Not by Horton, however. He refuses to partake in any extracurricular activities with the other servants.
While delivering a letter to the [far off] neighbors, the Shortleys, Horton meets a visiting girl, Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe. She takes a liking to Horton, despite her title and his lowly status. However, a rather dull boy, Montgomery, was sent to the Smugwick manor to woo her, and Luther Luggertuck [the awful, scheming son of M'Lady] has devious plans for the girl. Luther's thefts in the mansion have caused a ruckus, but the stable boys are on the case to solve the mystery of the missing items. But when Luther's plan involves kidnapping Celia, the boys all band together to make their own plan to save Horton and the girl.
Review
I quite enjoyed this book. Horton was such a kind boy, and I was so happy that the stable boys Bump, Blight, and Blemish, were actually quite fond of Horton--I expected them to be cruel. This book is humorous, and has very strange character drawings that remind me of the art from
Home Movies. Part of me wishes there were other stories from the Smugwick manor, but I also appreciate that the author stopped at one. I'll have to read the Origami Yoda series instead.
May 20, 2026
A hero who refuses to step out of line, even though he is employed by the worst sort of people.
A nefarious, wickeder than wicked set of villains.
A bumbling, larger-than-life detective.
Bring them together, and you get a rollicking, delightful mystery story.
From the moment I looked at the cover, I was curious–-because 'Horton Halfpott' is just one of three wordy titles. It is 'Horton Halfpott' or 'The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor' or 'The Loosening of M’lady Luggertuck’s Corset'. I had to read the book!
Arguably, the loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s corset starts the whole story off. A precious heirloom is stolen. A famous detective is summoned. And Horton Halfpott falls in love.
The range of unlikely events coming together in this hilarious book makes it a fun, unpredictable read, bringing to mind writers like Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Brief chapters add pace to the story, and the charming characters draw us in as we attempt to solve one mystery after another. Light, dramatic and full of heart, 'Horton Halfpott' by @tomangleberger is a book I’m very glad I stumbled upon!
A nefarious, wickeder than wicked set of villains.
A bumbling, larger-than-life detective.
Bring them together, and you get a rollicking, delightful mystery story.
From the moment I looked at the cover, I was curious–-because 'Horton Halfpott' is just one of three wordy titles. It is 'Horton Halfpott' or 'The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor' or 'The Loosening of M’lady Luggertuck’s Corset'. I had to read the book!
Arguably, the loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s corset starts the whole story off. A precious heirloom is stolen. A famous detective is summoned. And Horton Halfpott falls in love.
The range of unlikely events coming together in this hilarious book makes it a fun, unpredictable read, bringing to mind writers like Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Brief chapters add pace to the story, and the charming characters draw us in as we attempt to solve one mystery after another. Light, dramatic and full of heart, 'Horton Halfpott' by @tomangleberger is a book I’m very glad I stumbled upon!
December 27, 2023
The drama begins when Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset, and things begin to go awry. The Luggertuck Lump goes missing and Lady Luggertuck brings in a famous detective to find it. Horton Halfpott, a lowly kitchen boy, longs to earn enough to help his family deal with his father’s illness, but the pay is poor and the working conditions are tough. To escape being blamed for taking the Lump, he and his friends decide to try to solve the mystery. He meets Lady Celia and builds an unlikely bond. The story moves along with the requisite evil characters and a few unexpected ones, including a bunch of Shipless Pirates. The book is well illustrated and is overall a fun read and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Lemony Snickett, but in a slightly softer form.
October 28, 2023
I picked this book up at the half-priced books store for 3 bucks. I am trying to amass a collection of books for my summer class. I found it amusing and cute. It's a fun mystery about stolen objects, possible kidnapping and a poor kitchen boy named Horton who is ok with his lot in life until he falls in love. Of course! While Horton has many obstacles in the way, rude gentry, a task master boss, and a jealous foe after the same girl, he thankfully has a ton of friends to help him on his amazing path to a happy ending. My only annoyance with this book was that there was not more follow up on our hero at the end.
This book is going in my mobile library for my students!
This book is going in my mobile library for my students!
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