Horton Halfpott: Or, the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; Or, the Loosening of m'Lady Luggertuck's Corset

By Tom Angleberger

Book Overview

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. Praise for Horton Halfpott "A positively gleeful historical mystery farce. Short chapters, a fast pace and plenty of linguistic and slapstistic humor will have young readers hoping that a sequel is planned. The scribbly pen-and-ink chapter-heading cartoon illustrations are just icing on the cake--or pickle clair. A romp from start to finish." - Kirkus Reviews "Exaggerated black-and-white drawings emphasize the often wacky humor in this goofy faux-British mystery. Sprawling, outlandish tale." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Readers will enjoy Angleberger's penchant for the absurd as well as his many droll asides. With Angleberger's many eclectic characters, his wild-and-witty storytelling, and a lighthearted but perplexing mystery--involving a "lump" of diamonds, a couple of wigs, and a bust of Napoleon--readers are in for a treat." - Publishers Weekly "From the author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda , here's an amusing romp of a mystery that balances skulduggery with just rewards." - Booklist "Much like Dickens or Dahl, an opinionated narrator with a strong sense of the ridiculous directs this story." - School Library Journal

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810997150
• ISBN13: 9780810997158
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7