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Lord Foxbridge Butts In
A little bit Wimsey, a little bit Wooster, young gay aristocrat Viscount Foxbridge (Foxy to his friends) moves to London in June 1927 and begins poking his nose into other people's business; but life in a big city is quite different from Oxford or Eton, and Foxy's habitual nosy-parkering turns up a surprising number of corpses, landing him in mortal danger more than once.
With his excellent valet Pond in tow, Foxy solves a few mysteries, falls in love with a cop, befriends a dominatrix, becomes engaged to a cross-dressing debutante, hobnobs with royalty, and finds adventure around every corner.
With his excellent valet Pond in tow, Foxy solves a few mysteries, falls in love with a cop, befriends a dominatrix, becomes engaged to a cross-dressing debutante, hobnobs with royalty, and finds adventure around every corner.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
5 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Robert L. Manners
2 books6 followersRobert Lew Manners is an alumnus San Francisco State University and is a third-generation citizen of Oakland, CA—recently relocated to Eureka, CA—where he lives mostly online (reading, writing, Redditing, watching videos, listening to music, researching uncountable interests, dabbling in AI art, and living a rich and full Second Life), only indulging in "real life" to sleep and make peanut butter sandwiches.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 13, 2020
Oh what a fun read this was and such a nice change from the gritty gory fare that I usually enjoy from the murder/whodunnit genre. To be sure there are murders and bodies - and people get kidnapped, bashed etc; but such unpleasantness is embedded in a broader tale of one Sebastian St-Clare (aka Foxy) who has just come of age and unleashed himself upon London's milieu of 'bright young things' in the period between the great wars.
Being an only child and financially independent of his peerage father and the family estates - Foxy can focus his freedom and time on eating, drinking and making merry (and did I mention shopping?). He's unabashedly gay and makes the most of his auburn locks, beautiful complexion and youthful allure ... the book provides no shortage of handsome and willing partners for our MC as he frequents the many clubs and bars known only to those gentlemen of a certain persuasion. However readers leery of too much sex will be relieved to know that the author has deemed this 'not that kind of book' and a gauzy curtain is dreamily drawn over such scenes and the most hard-core of prose one will find will be phrases such as 'and a good time was had by all' LOL. Gentle readers - Miss Manners will indeed approve.
Most of the middle chapters find Foxy unwittingly drawn into some intrigue or other (which may or may not involve murder) and given his innate tendency to stick his nose into everyone's business - resolves (or helps to substantially resolve) the case but not before getting himself into some particularly 'hairy' situations. The author gives Foxy a very strong voice and his character comes through strong and clear.
Likewise developed are several secondary characters. These include Pond the long-suffering valet with the dual personality and much hidden talents, strictly-by-the-book D-Sargeant Paget who provides the romance interest and foil to Foxy's zaniness, Lady Caroline a longtime childhood friend and possible future bride who has secrets of her own, as well as an assorted array of gay characters who populate the 'hotel for special gentlemen' which Foxy calls 'home away from home' - many resembling personages/characters such as Beaton, Nureyev, Coward and Wooster.
I breezed through the book quite easily and was very sad to have finished it too quickly; it was like reading 'Miss Marple' meet 'The Perils of Pauline'. A well recommended read.
Being an only child and financially independent of his peerage father and the family estates - Foxy can focus his freedom and time on eating, drinking and making merry (and did I mention shopping?). He's unabashedly gay and makes the most of his auburn locks, beautiful complexion and youthful allure ... the book provides no shortage of handsome and willing partners for our MC as he frequents the many clubs and bars known only to those gentlemen of a certain persuasion. However readers leery of too much sex will be relieved to know that the author has deemed this 'not that kind of book' and a gauzy curtain is dreamily drawn over such scenes and the most hard-core of prose one will find will be phrases such as 'and a good time was had by all' LOL. Gentle readers - Miss Manners will indeed approve.
Most of the middle chapters find Foxy unwittingly drawn into some intrigue or other (which may or may not involve murder) and given his innate tendency to stick his nose into everyone's business - resolves (or helps to substantially resolve) the case but not before getting himself into some particularly 'hairy' situations. The author gives Foxy a very strong voice and his character comes through strong and clear.
Likewise developed are several secondary characters. These include Pond the long-suffering valet with the dual personality and much hidden talents, strictly-by-the-book D-Sargeant Paget who provides the romance interest and foil to Foxy's zaniness, Lady Caroline a longtime childhood friend and possible future bride who has secrets of her own, as well as an assorted array of gay characters who populate the 'hotel for special gentlemen' which Foxy calls 'home away from home' - many resembling personages/characters such as Beaton, Nureyev, Coward and Wooster.
I breezed through the book quite easily and was very sad to have finished it too quickly; it was like reading 'Miss Marple' meet 'The Perils of Pauline'. A well recommended read.
June 10, 2015
This was a lot of fun. Love the voice of Sebastian/Foxy. There is a slight thread of a romance through all his other dalliances, but this isn't an emotional read. I hope there will be more adventures with this crafty amateur sleuth.
January 22, 2015
Published a year and half ago with 14 ratings-have I ever learned a lesson.
October 12, 2020
4 stars
Lord Foxbridge, Foxy to his chums, has just left Oxford. He has a lot of money, and is in fact wealthier than his father, so he sets himself and his valet up in a queer hotel in London. Foxy wants to have fun in the city, and is afflicted with an insatiable curiosity. He’s always asking questions to figure out how things work, especially people. When a dead body is seen in a room across the courtyard, Foxy takes notice of everything and gets his valet to ask around the hired help. When Foxy solves the mystery before the police, he feels no compunction about trying to solve the next mystery that comes his way.
This was more short stories of the various mysteries that Foxy got himself involved in. Foxy is intelligent, a little foolhardy, and just wants to enjoy himself while experiencing freedom from school and authority figures for the first time. The mysteries were fairly well paced and plotted, and all the characters that we meet throughout the book are clearly drawn. This was fairly dense reading; it seemed to take me a long time to get through it. And it’s not a romance per se, although there are romantic feelings in it. It feels like a book written during the time it takes place (1927), with the attitudes and actions.
Lord Foxbridge, Foxy to his chums, has just left Oxford. He has a lot of money, and is in fact wealthier than his father, so he sets himself and his valet up in a queer hotel in London. Foxy wants to have fun in the city, and is afflicted with an insatiable curiosity. He’s always asking questions to figure out how things work, especially people. When a dead body is seen in a room across the courtyard, Foxy takes notice of everything and gets his valet to ask around the hired help. When Foxy solves the mystery before the police, he feels no compunction about trying to solve the next mystery that comes his way.
This was more short stories of the various mysteries that Foxy got himself involved in. Foxy is intelligent, a little foolhardy, and just wants to enjoy himself while experiencing freedom from school and authority figures for the first time. The mysteries were fairly well paced and plotted, and all the characters that we meet throughout the book are clearly drawn. This was fairly dense reading; it seemed to take me a long time to get through it. And it’s not a romance per se, although there are romantic feelings in it. It feels like a book written during the time it takes place (1927), with the attitudes and actions.
August 27, 2014
Funny and engaging
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- I loved the narrative voice--engaging and personal, but with a hint of British propriety that manages to keep the reader at a bit of a distance, even when describing all manner of indiscretions.
- Foxy’s descriptions are to-the-point and amusing. One of my favorites comes early on as he describes his valet: “He was young as valets go, perhaps ten years older than myself, small and dark and extremely neat, nice-looking but slightly ferret-faced.”
- The story has a fantasy feeling to it, in spite of details that seem to be quite thoroughly researched and realistic. Foxy associates with a number of people on society’s fringes, so his escapades take on an almost dreamlike quality at times.
CONS:
- I never warmed up much to Foxy’s romantic interest. The man is distant at best and often quite inconsiderate of Foxy’s feelings. I simply didn’t understand the attraction going beyond the physical, particularly for someone like Foxy who is typically such a player.
- The serial nature of the book, with short, contained stories one after another, makes for a bit of an unsatisfying ending. The book concludes with a simple story ending as though something else will follow, just like all the other stories have ended up to that point.
Overall comments: This is a series of short stories and novellas that reminded me of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie stories, both of which are influences Foxy readily acknowledges more than once. The main characters’ relationships carry from one story to the next, but the plotlines are basically self-contained. If you’re interested in romance, I’m not sure you’ll be satisfied with this one; it is, however, very funny.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- I loved the narrative voice--engaging and personal, but with a hint of British propriety that manages to keep the reader at a bit of a distance, even when describing all manner of indiscretions.
- Foxy’s descriptions are to-the-point and amusing. One of my favorites comes early on as he describes his valet: “He was young as valets go, perhaps ten years older than myself, small and dark and extremely neat, nice-looking but slightly ferret-faced.”
- The story has a fantasy feeling to it, in spite of details that seem to be quite thoroughly researched and realistic. Foxy associates with a number of people on society’s fringes, so his escapades take on an almost dreamlike quality at times.
CONS:
- I never warmed up much to Foxy’s romantic interest. The man is distant at best and often quite inconsiderate of Foxy’s feelings. I simply didn’t understand the attraction going beyond the physical, particularly for someone like Foxy who is typically such a player.
- The serial nature of the book, with short, contained stories one after another, makes for a bit of an unsatisfying ending. The book concludes with a simple story ending as though something else will follow, just like all the other stories have ended up to that point.
Overall comments: This is a series of short stories and novellas that reminded me of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie stories, both of which are influences Foxy readily acknowledges more than once. The main characters’ relationships carry from one story to the next, but the plotlines are basically self-contained. If you’re interested in romance, I’m not sure you’ll be satisfied with this one; it is, however, very funny.
February 20, 2019
Roaring Twenties Hoot
This is as close as one can possibly get to describing as "a hoot" a book that is set in the Roaring 20s amongst the upper class in England. The characters are perfectly drawn, the plots (there are several, each covered in a long chapter) are twisted and somewhat unique, and the ending just leaves you screaming for more! more! more! Which has not happened because there doesn't appear to be a sequel to this tome written in 2013.
You will fall completely in love with Sebastian, aka Lord Foxbridge, aka Foxy--a somewhat spoiled, astonishingly beautiful, discreetly but lasciviously gay, heir to one of the huge fortunes in Britain who has just moved to London after completing Oxford. You will laugh yourself silly over his valet, Pond, aka Reggie, and their banter and exploits together or separately, depending on the discretion needed at the time.
You will hoot and howl over Foxy's relationship with Lady Caroline, a sly vixen who's been his pal forever, no spoilers here. You will arch an eyebrow throughout each chapter on how the undercover gay world in London is stratified, and protected, in many ways, especially when it comes to Foxy's new residence, the Hyacinth Hotel and its inhabitants.
And you will be completely charmed by the interaction between Foxy and Twister, aka Oliver, a new acquaintance he makes upon arriving in London who is also a wealthy young peer but has chosen to live his life as a deeply closeted member of Scotland Yard. This relationship is alternatively warm, cold, rocky, smooth, heartbreaking and exhilarating without for a minute seeming false.
This one is a keeper, get it and chirp.
This is as close as one can possibly get to describing as "a hoot" a book that is set in the Roaring 20s amongst the upper class in England. The characters are perfectly drawn, the plots (there are several, each covered in a long chapter) are twisted and somewhat unique, and the ending just leaves you screaming for more! more! more! Which has not happened because there doesn't appear to be a sequel to this tome written in 2013.
You will fall completely in love with Sebastian, aka Lord Foxbridge, aka Foxy--a somewhat spoiled, astonishingly beautiful, discreetly but lasciviously gay, heir to one of the huge fortunes in Britain who has just moved to London after completing Oxford. You will laugh yourself silly over his valet, Pond, aka Reggie, and their banter and exploits together or separately, depending on the discretion needed at the time.
You will hoot and howl over Foxy's relationship with Lady Caroline, a sly vixen who's been his pal forever, no spoilers here. You will arch an eyebrow throughout each chapter on how the undercover gay world in London is stratified, and protected, in many ways, especially when it comes to Foxy's new residence, the Hyacinth Hotel and its inhabitants.
And you will be completely charmed by the interaction between Foxy and Twister, aka Oliver, a new acquaintance he makes upon arriving in London who is also a wealthy young peer but has chosen to live his life as a deeply closeted member of Scotland Yard. This relationship is alternatively warm, cold, rocky, smooth, heartbreaking and exhilarating without for a minute seeming false.
This one is a keeper, get it and chirp.
November 1, 2020
Lord Foxy is a cute nosy parker. He keeps butting in other people's affairs and bumping into dead bodies, whose mysteries he is eager to solve. Aided by his efficient valet, Reggie and Twister, the burly officer from Scotland yard , Foxy is off to his adventures.
The writing is excellent and you are reminded of Wooster and Jeeves and their capers. Loved this book. Hoping for a sequel with more stories from Foxy and his friends.
The writing is excellent and you are reminded of Wooster and Jeeves and their capers. Loved this book. Hoping for a sequel with more stories from Foxy and his friends.
July 8, 2024
4 stars
Join Lord Foxbridge and his queer companions on an adventure in 1920s London—squander easily earned money, explore underground queer scenes, flirt with all-too-willing men and one reluctant copper, and solve mysteries (or wait for the mysteries to solve themselves). A light and fun historical romp that doesn't take itself too seriously, so you’d better surrender your disbelief and just go along for the ride.
Join Lord Foxbridge and his queer companions on an adventure in 1920s London—squander easily earned money, explore underground queer scenes, flirt with all-too-willing men and one reluctant copper, and solve mysteries (or wait for the mysteries to solve themselves). A light and fun historical romp that doesn't take itself too seriously, so you’d better surrender your disbelief and just go along for the ride.
January 5, 2026
Lord Foxbridge, a young nobleman who is light in his loafers and nosy as hell, solves mysteries around the small hotel for discerning clientele where he has taken rooms. Throughout his AC Doyle style adventures, Lord Foxbridge adopts an angelic molly boy and falls in love with a police officer with the help of his valet and his drag king fiance.
October 11, 2013
WOW!Lord Foxbridge Butts is just an amazing piece of work.When you are taken on a journey as stimulating and jaw-dropping as what this author did, you begin to wonder how much better a novel can get. Well, this is an excellent read that will take you in a wonderland of mystery and adventure. The ride is for the adventure-seeker at heart, you will love how he made the journey so enticing. This is the kind of book you want to read on a stressful day to take your mind to a place that is somewhere different and refreshing. The characters surprise you in each chapter and this is a story you will want to read again. One read is not enough!
August 11, 2014
This looked so promising ...
... and it was enjoyable, but very light & breezy; it didn't really engage me on an emotional level and the mysteries also lacked depth.
... and it was enjoyable, but very light & breezy; it didn't really engage me on an emotional level and the mysteries also lacked depth.
July 6, 2015
Wonderful read, fun and refreshing!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews