Downton Abbey meets Father Ted in Haringey Brian Luff’s comic novel.

Muddleton is a comic novel about the Hogg-Marchmont family – a dysfunctional and delusional aristocratic dynasty – as they desperately try to save their beloved ancestral home from demolition.

When Hogg Hall is condemned by the local council and ordered to be torn down, Earl Hardy Hogg-Marchmont, head of the family, thinks challenging the council will be a wasted effort, until he is visited by the furious ghosts of his ancestors, who convince him to put up a fight.

Spanning a period of two hundred and fifty years, Muddleton describes the history of this hapless family from the middle of the 18th century to the present day. It’s a tale of absurdity, supernatural encounters and surreal events, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Brian Luff has written comedy for television, theatre and digital media and is a multi-award-winning short film maker. While working at the BBC he produced the chart-topping podcast for Have I Got News For You and he has worked as Head of Digital Content for two global television networks. Brian is an occasional guest lecturer on the BA scriptwriting course at Bournemouth University and his previous books include The Serious Business of Writing, Performing & Selling Comedy.

Brian explains: “I love costume drama, historical documentaries and visiting stately homes. I’ve always found the English aristocracy to be unwittingly hilarious, especially when fictionalised. I’ve had an occasional brush with the aristocracy – mostly ones who are totally skint and utterly hopeless with their finances – despite having thousands of acres of land! They’re a curious breed and pure cannon fodder for a comic novel.”

Brian has written several books, though this is his first full length novel. He explains: “I’ve worked as editor of the History Channel website at Sky, and before that I ran the BBC Comedy website.” He adds that much to his amazement he has recently been signed to become a morning show presenter at Central Hits Radio in the Midlands. Brian hopes everyone will find something to enjoy in his weird and wonderful twist on an aristocratic saga.

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RELEASE DATE: 28/05/2024 ISBN: 9781916668805 Price: £8.99