Step into the uproariously funny world of Blotto and Twinks, where aristocratic antics and clever sleuthing collide in early 20th-century England! Simon Brett’s delightful mystery series follows the Honourable Devereux ‘Blotto’ Lyminster, a lovably dim aristocrat, and his brilliant sister, Honoria ‘Twinks’ Lyminster, as they stumble into murder mysteries with a side of British wit. Perfect for fans of P.G. Wodehouse and classic whodunits, this series is a charming escape into a world of stately homes, quirky slang, and light-hearted intrigue.
With its tongue-in-cheek humor and Golden Age detective vibes, Blotto and Twinks offers a fresh spin on the cozy mystery genre. Whether it’s unraveling a kidnapping or foiling a dastardly plot, this sibling duo brings laughter and suspense in equal measure. Ready to dive into their spiffing adventures? Let’s explore!
How Blotto and Twinks Began
Simon Brett, a prolific British author and former BBC producer, launched the Blotto and Twinks series in 2009 with a clear goal: to parody the Golden Age of detective fiction while poking fun at the British upper crust. Inspired by his love for classic mysteries and comedic writers like Wodehouse, Brett crafted a series that blends slapstick humor with intricate plots. His experience with radio productions, including work on *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*, shines through in the series’ playful dialogue and absurd scenarios.
As the president of the Detection Club, Brett’s deep knowledge of the mystery genre informs the series’ clever nods to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Blotto and Twinks emerged as a love letter to the era’s country-house mysteries, but with a satirical twist that keeps readers chuckling.
The Heart of Blotto and Twinks
The series kicks off with *Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter* (2009), where the duo investigates the kidnapping of a Mitteleuropian princess at their family estate, Tawcester Towers. Blotto’s bumbling bravery and Twinks’ razor-sharp intellect make for a hilarious partnership as they navigate a web of royal intrigue. In *Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess* (2010), a murder leads them to the sinister League of the Crimson Hand, blending pulp-style thrills with aristocratic farce.
*Blotto, Twinks and the Rodents of the Riviera* (2011) takes the siblings to France, chasing art thieves in a caper filled with colorful characters and absurd disguises. Later, *Blotto, Twinks and the Riddle of the Sphinx* (2013) sees them tackling an Egyptian curse with their signature mix of cluelessness and cunning. Themes of class satire, loyalty, and the clash between tradition and modernity run throughout, set against a backdrop of 1920s glamour. The series’ hallmark is its whimsical slang—think “larkissimo!” and “tickety-tock”—which adds to its playful charm.
Brett’s writing style is light yet sharp, balancing straightforward mysteries with laugh-out-loud moments. Fans adore the contrast between Blotto’s earnest stupidity and Twinks’ near-superhuman cleverness, making each book a delightful romp through a bygone era.
Why Blotto and Twinks Resonates
Though not as widely known as Brett’s Charles Paris or Fethering series, Blotto and Twinks has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its unapologetic silliness and affectionate satire. Its blend of nostalgia and humor appeals to readers craving an escape from modern complexities. The series’ cult following praises its ability to deliver consistent laughs while gently mocking the absurdities of aristocratic life.
Critics, like those at *Publishers Weekly*, note its Wodehouse-inspired charm, though some find the relentless wordplay a tad overwhelming. Regardless, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where wit and whimsy reign supreme, making it a hidden gem in the mystery genre.
- Publication Years: 2009–2024
- Number of Books: 13
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Setting: 1920s England and beyond
Grab *Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter* and dive into a world of spiffing mysteries and side-splitting humor! Whether you’re a mystery buff or just love a good laugh, Blotto and Twinks will leave you saying, ‘Larkissimo!’