This was my first Blandings book. Actually, it was my first Wodehouse that wasn't a Jeeves novel and I can't say that I was disappointed. Clearly, judging from my rating, I loved it. The book was written in a sort of omniscient third person that was well aware it was narrating, which was perfect. The characters, while still being Wodehousian caricatures, still managed to be relatively well rounded and likable. In the end everything ended up as it should and it didn't feel typical. Basically, all the things that make Wodehouse so popular are present here and were, as always, delightful.

Searching for a lead character in this ensemble is difficult but I suppose I'd have to concede that the honor goes to Mr. Ashe Marson, writer of tepid (and really rather embarrassing) popular crime novels. Upon a chance meeting with Miss Joan Valentine he decides to embark on a more adventurous lifestyle. At the same time the Hon. Freddie Threepwood, second son to the rather absent minded Lord Emsworth, has become engaged to American heiress, Aline Peters who's father is an avid collector of Egyptian scarabs. Events are set into motion when Lord Emsworth visits Peters and accidentally pockets the prize of the latter's collection and move to Blandings Castles where the whole cast of characters end up for a hilarious jaunt in the country.

It's a quick read and hilariously funny. And of course I'm continually enamored of everybody's name.