Phone for the Fish Knives
A light and witty country house murder mystery
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group
Published:17th Jun '21
Should be back in stock very soon

In Phone for the Fish Knives, the Todes’ lives turn chaotic as Hollywood invades Tode Hall, leading to unexpected twists and a comedic murder mystery.
In Phone for the Fish Knives, the Todes return with a humorous twist as they navigate the chaos of Hollywood's film industry. India and Egbert are initially thrilled when they learn that a remake of the film that catapulted Tode Hall to fame is in the works. They dream of lavish parties and effortless wealth, but their excitement quickly turns to dismay as their serene life is invaded by a flurry of wardrobe trucks and catering tents. The presence of insecure actors, bickering over nudity clauses, adds to the mayhem, leading the couple to realize that living next to a film crew is anything but glamorous.
As the situation escalates, the tension reaches a boiling point when producers start to argue over the precise shade of Tode Hall's lawns. Amidst the chaos, the Todes find themselves entangled in a web of egos, misunderstandings, and a shocking act of betrayal that no one could have anticipated. The narrative is peppered with sharp wit and keen observations that poke fun at aristocratic manners and the absurdity of the film industry.
Phone for the Fish Knives is a delightful satire that combines elements of a classic country house murder mystery with contemporary humor. Daisy Waugh's writing sparkles with charm, making it a perfect escape from the mundane. This novel promises laughter, intrigue, and a refreshing take on the genre, ensuring readers are entertained from start to finish.
Praise for the Todes of Tode Hall series:
Fans of PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie should bag this madcap comedy whodunnit . . . Outrageous and over-the-top, a perfect antidote to all real-life craziness going on * Daily Mail *
It's sharp, funny and just the right amount of farcical - the best sort of murder mystery * Tatler *
I couldn't put it down -- Santa Montefiore
What a triumph! It gave me enormous pleasure to read, plus of course a few appropriate shudders. [In the Crypt] lightens the darkness in a way that is both dark and light -- Antonia Fraser
An irresistible champagne bubble of pleasure and laughter -- Rachel Johnson
Agatha Christie but with a bit of Julian Fellowes's Snobs and Downtown Abbey thrown in . . . A masterclass in how to write a rollicking good read -- Sarah Vine
A jolly farce that never takes itself too seriously * Red Magazine *
Fizzles, crackles and sparkles -- Elizabeth Buchan
An irresistible, high-camp crime caper - deliciously entertaining -- Andrew Wilson
A perfect antidote to wintry gloom * The Literary Review *
A country-house murder mystery with nods to Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh . . . a delightful treat * The Lady *
An effervescent madcap whodunnit * Metro *
A work of sublime silliness. The knife-edge between crime and comedy is a tricky one, but Daisy Waugh negotiates it magnificently . . .a delightful book, witty, pacy and beautifully written -- Simon Brett
This is a marvellous rollicking read with brilliantly drawn characters. I finished it within 24 hours -- Mary Killen
She's spot on; she's skewered her targets brilliantly -- Imogen Edwards-Jones
ISBN: 9780349422480
Dimensions: 220mm x 142mm x 32mm
Weight: 413g
304 pages