What Ho, Automaton!

By Chris Dolley

** Finalist for the 2012 WSFA Award for best short fiction **

"A fun blend of P.G. Wodehouse, steampunk and a touch of Sherlock Holmes. Dolley is a master at capturing and blending all these elements. More than fascinating, this work is also rip-roaring fun!" - SF Revu

The adventures of Reggie Worcester, gentleman consulting detective, and his automaton valet, Reeves.

"Dolley got me to laugh out loud near the end. Which, frankly, is VERY hard to do. Dolley's tone is spot on Wodehouse and the steampunk elements tie into both plot and silliness admirably." - Gail Carriger, author of Soulless

Reggie, an avid reader of detective fiction, knows two things about solving crime: One, the guilty party is always the person - and, occasionally, the orang-utan - one least suspects. And, two, a consulting detective’s little grey cells require plenty of fish and frequent lubrication when confronted with a ‘three cocktail problem.’ Reeves needs all his steam-powered cunning and intellect to curb the young master's excessive flights of fancy. And prevent him from getting engaged.

The book contains two stories set in an alternative 1903 where an augmented Queen Victoria is still on the throne and automata are a common sight below stairs.

What Ho, Automaton! - a 32 page novelette about how the two met.

Something Rummy This Way Comes - a 164 page novel chronicling their first case. When Reggie discovers that four debutantes have gone missing in the first month of The London Season and, for fear of scandal, none of the families have called the police, he feels compelled to investigate. With the help of Reeves's giant brain and extra helpings of fish, he conducts an investigation that only a detective of rare talent could possibly envisage.

Mystery, Zeppelins, Aunts and Humour. A steam-powered Wodehouse pastiche.

REVIEWS

"A fun blend of P.G. Wodehouse, steampunk and a touch of Sherlock Holmes. Dolley is a master at capturing and blending all these elements. More than fascinating, this work is also rip-roaring fun! But where Dolley really excels is in capturing the atmosphere and humor of the Bertie and Jeeves stories. Any Wodehouse fan will want to grab a copy of this work, but even if you have never explored that world, What Ho, Automaton! is a fun and fascinating read. Highly recommended, take a spin in this steampunk hybrid and enjoy the ride!" - SF Revu

"Dolley's collection of Wodehousian steampunk is entertaining and often spot-on parody... Fans of Wodehouse will certainly appreciate Dolley's witty pastiche," - Publishers Weekly

"I found myself snickering and snorting as I read, thinking the entire time 'this is pure awesome'" - Tiffany A. Harkleroad

"I enjoyed every page of this book. A steampunk novel that combines classic British Humor, tongue-in-cheek references to Sherlock Holmes and a cast of great characters. I don't think I've actually laughed out loud this much while reading a book in a very long time." - ErisAerie

"I found myself laughing out loud at Reggie and the fabulous Reeves as they romped their way through various adventures. A homage to Wodehouse without being sycophantic, this is fantastic. One thing to say to Chris Dolley: More please!" - Sueo23

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book View Cafe
• Release date: Apr 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9781611380606

Chris Dolley

Chris Dolley is a New York Times bestselling author, a pioneer computer game designer and a teenage freedom fighter. That was in 1974 when Chris was tasked with publicising Plymouth Rag Week. Some people might have arranged an interview with the local newspaper. Chris created the Free Cornish Army, invaded the country next door, and persuaded the UK media that Cornwall had risen up and declared independence. As he told journalists at the time, 'It was only a small country, and I did give it back.'In 1981, he created Randomberry Games and wrote Necromancer, one of the first 3D first person perspective D&D computer games.In 2004, his acclaimed novel, Resonance, was the first book plucked out of Baen's electronic slushpile.Now he lives in rural France with his wife and a frightening number of animals. They grow their own food and solve their own crimes. The latter out of necessity when Chris's identity was stolen along with their life savings. Abandoned by the police forces of four countries who all insisted the crime originated in someone else's jurisdiction, he had to solve the crime himself. Which he did, and got a book out of it - the International bestseller, French Fried: One Man's Move to France With Too Many Animals And An Identity Thief.He writes SF, Fantasy, Mystery, Humour and Memoir. His memoir, French Fried, is an NY Times bestseller. What Ho, Automaton! - the first of his Reeves and Worcester Steampunk Mysteries series - was a finalist for the 2012 WSFA Small Press Award.

Book preview

What Ho, Automaton!

by Chris Dolley

BVC logo

Copyright © 2011 by Chris Dolley

All Rights Reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.

A Smashwords edition

Published by Book View Café

www.bookviewcafe.com

Cover art by Brenda Clough and Chris Dolley

Steampunk Font © Illustrator Georgie - Fotolia.com

The novelette What Ho, Automaton was first published in the anthology Shadow Conspiracy II in 2011

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, pigs, orang-utans, locations, and events portrayed in this book are fictional or used in an imaginary manner to entertain, and any resemblance to any real people, situations, or incidents is purely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to my editors: Jennifer Stevenson and Sherwood Smith.

And, of course, to Pelham Grenville Wodehouse.

What Ho, Automaton!

Chapter One

I think aunts must have come into being on the seventh day when God took his eye off the ball. Let there be light – no quibbles there. Let there be small furry animals – we Worcesters have always been strong supporters of our fluffier friends. But let there be aunts? Big mistake. They interfere and have ‘opinions’ which take the form of holy writ. I strongly suspect that Hannibal had an aunt, one who buttonholed him as he was about to set sail for Rome. Hannibal! she would have cried. If you’re off to Rome, you must visit your cousin in the Alps. And take those elephants with you. They’re ruining my prize dahlias.

Which was why one Reginald Worcester, put-upon sap of this parish, was staring into a stiff drink at the Drones Club contemplating the inequities of Creation. Not because of elephants – that would have been easy – but because his Aunt Bertha had instructed him to leave immediately for Crandle Castle and extricate his cousin Herbert from an unsuitable engagement.

Is there any other kind? I’d asked.

Never attempt repartee with an aunt.

I tried to explain that I was persona non grata at Crandle, having once been engaged to Georgiana Throstlecoombe – until the unfortunate incident with the Pomeranian – and that the young lady in question was certain to be at Crandle and would set the dogs – especially the Pomeranians, who have long memories – upon me the moment I crossed the horizon.

Aunts are impervious to both Latin and Pomeranians.

Why the long face, Reggie?

I was snapped back to the present by the arrival of one Lancelot Trussington-Thripp.

What ho, Stiffy, I said, and then proceeded to give him the low-down on the aunt diktat.

What you need is a Reeves, said Stiffy.

A Reeves?

Yes, we’ve just found one. He was in a cupboard in the attic.

Cupboard in the attic?

My mind boggled on two counts, one, that the club had an attic and, two, that there was a Reeves living up there.

He must have been there for years, said Stiffy. He was covered in dust.

My mind reached new heights of boggledom. Who, or what, is a Reeves?

A dashed brainy automaton, said Stiffy, visibly getting excited and shuffling closer. He’s dressed like a fairground fortune-teller and knows absolutely everything. His brain is positively immense. Barmy’s trying to get him to tell our fortunes.

Ha! I said. Some of us know our fortunes only too well and would rather not be reminded of them.

Come on, Reggie. Give it a try. He really does know everything. If there’s a way to get out of your Crandle entanglement, Reeves’ll know.

I relented. The Worcesters have always had a soft spot for the outsider, and this plan rated a good 100-1 in anyone’s form book.

I followed Stiffy to the billiard room where an even more excited gaggle of fellow Drones were crowded around the far table. No one noticed our arrival. All heads were turned to the figure seated in a chair, which someone had placed upon the billiard table.

Had everyone lost their senses? A chair leg could rip the green baize!

As for the fortune-telling automaton chappie: never had I seen such a morose cove, his giant head topped with a pink turban and his shoulders swathed in flowing robes of pink and orange hues. Machine or not, I felt for the poor blighter. I’d had similar experiences in my childhood – being forced to sit still in the nursery while my older sister, the theatrically inclined Lady Julia, proceeded to dress me up like a prize peacock.

I say, shouted Stiffy, pushing himself to the head of the throng. Step aside, Humpy, there’s a good chap. This is an emergency. Reggie has aunt trouble.

Like the Red Sea, when confronted by Moses holding a note from his mother’s sister, the throng parted.

Come along, Reggie, said Stiffy, beckoning. Tell all to Reeves.

I recounted my sorry tale, omitting not a single Pomeranian. The Reeves listened intently, nodding his head in the places a living, breathing son of Adam would have felt like inclining his noggin too. As machines went, this Reeves was of the first rank. One could entirely believe he was human.

Well? said Stiffy when I’d finished. Can you save our Reggie, Reeves?

There is a strong possibility that I can effect a positive outcome, sir, said Reeves. His voice was most un-machinelike. Not that I’d ever heard a machine speak, but if I had, I’d imagine it would be redolent of clanking gears and punctuated by puffs of steam escaping from the lips.

I espied not a single puff. This Reeves spoke like an educated cove. Maybe not Oxford, but certainly one of the lesser public schools.

How? I asked.

The Reeves took a deep breath. Still no puff of steam, or audible evidence of a piston clanking away in his chest.

"It is a most vexing situation, sir. One necessitating the utmost care and coordination. Are you prepared to execute my instructions to the letter?"

Most certainly. You have the word of a Worcester.

Very good, sir. You must take me with you to Crandle.

What?

My mind reacquainted itself with the outskirts of Boggledom.

My presence at the castle is essential, sir, for I need to see the young gentleman and his intended in order to construct the perfect extrication. One which satisfies all parties, and increases the esteem in which you are held by your Aunt Bertha.

The Worcester lips parted but the tonsil area was bare. I was still mired in Reeves’s last sentence. Could he really put me in Aunt Bertha’s good books? Did she have a good book?

~

And so it came to pass that in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and three, one Reginald Worcester and his gentleman’s gentle-automaton, Reeves – accoutred now in Saville Row’s finest valetware – left London for the northern climes of the county of Salop and that ancient pile, Crandle Castle.

We made good time; the Stanley Steamer, my second foray into the world of the horseless carriage, behaved itself and required only two stops to take on water.

Do you need to take on water, Reeves? I’d asked at the first stop.

Not at this juncture, sir.

Well, shout out when you do. Coal, water, soothing oils. Whatever you require. I don’t wish to return you to the Drones broken.

Your intention is to return me to that gentleman’s club, sir?

Of course. We Worcesters have a code. Return what thou hast borrowed.

A most excellent code, sir, but...what if the object in question would prefer not to be returned?

Oh.

I cogitated for several minutes as my grey cells struggled with the philosophical niceties. When borrowing an umbrella, one does not expect said parapluie to request asylum. Free me, Reginald, let me fly away to Manchester to join others of my kind.

You have an objection to being returned to the Drones? I asked.

If I may be so bold, sir. I did find being locked in a cupboard for fourteen years somewhat less than convivial.

I could see his point.

How did you come to be locked in a cupboard in the first place?

I believe I had been won in a game of cards, sir, the outcome of which was disputed. And, for reasons not divulged unto me, I was confined to a cupboard.

Where you remained until this very day?

Indeed, sir. Young gentlemen can be most forgetful.

My conscience was pricked. Had I ever left a manservant in a cupboard? I didn’t think I had, but then if Oxford had been in the habit of handing out blues for memory, the name Reginald Worcester would not have featured.

Once we’ve finished here, I shall drop you off wherever you wish, Reeves. The world is your cupboard.

That is most gracious of you, sir.

~

I parked the Stanley on the gravel drive by the front door and removed my driving goggles.

Well, Reeves, here we are. Has your giant brain formulated a plan?

I would advise a period of reconnaissance, sir, to ascertain the nature of the relationship between your cousin and the young lady and to posit a theory as to why your aunt would deem her unsuitable.

I was impressed. Just think of the kind of plans he could have come up with if he hadn’t spent the last fourteen years in a cupboard!

If you could engage the happy couple in conversation, sir, I will question the servants. It has been my experience that no one knows more about the activities above stairs than those below.

Very good, Reeves, and watch out for the Pomeranians. They are deceptively swift.

~

One of the problems with large, stately homes, of which Crandle is one of the largest and stateliest, is that locating people one is looking for is often more difficult than locating people one is trying to avoid. Viz. the Lady Georgiana, whom I discovered, thankfully sans hunting pack, on the terrace as I turned the corner.

I was accorded an Arctic glare. What are you doing here, Reggie? Run out of dogs to kick in Piccadilly?

I never kicked your dog, Georgie. It had my ankle in its jaws and I was merely trying to shake the blighter off.

What rot, Reggie. I saw you!

Talking about seeing, I said, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. Have you seen my cousin and his intended?

No, and I wouldn’t tell you if I had. Beast!

Lady Georgiana flounced off across the lawns, tossing epithets such as ‘worm’ and ‘toad’ over her shoulder. I thought it wise to beat a hasty retreat in the opposite direction in case she was planning to return with reinforcements.

Espying an open French window, I took refuge within the library. There was little chance of discovering Herbert in such a room – reading being well known to give the poor lad a headache – but I cast a disquisitive eye around the room just in case.

That’s when I saw my host.

It is said that Arthur Throstlecoombe, eighth Earl of Twyneham, had never been the same since he lost his wife, having misplaced her at the Newmarket Spring Meeting sometime between the third and fourth race.

Some say she ran off with a jockey. Others maintain that the good lady was the unfortunate victim of an accident involving a runaway Zeppelin. Myself, I rather hope for the jockey. We Worcesters are all romantics at heart.

What ho, Lord T!

Lord Twyneham barely registered my existence. He was sitting at a table, poring over a book and muttering.

It’s not right, he said.

What’s not right, sir?

Lord Twyneham looked up, noticing me for the first time.

What? Who are you?

Reginald, I said. Reginald Worcester, cousin of one Herbert Worcester, currently feeding at your trough.

If recognition did strike the aged earl, it left scarcely a mark.

You’re not a priest by any chance, are you?

No.

Pity. I’m of a mind to write to the Archbishop of Canterbury?

You are?

If not the Pope. One of them must know how to exorcise a pig.

Boggledom approached once more. I was beginning to suspect all the roads leading out of Boggledom had been permanently blocked.

Don’t you have a pig man for that?

It’s not my pig. It’s Pomphrey’s pig. The Colossus of Blackwater.

Large pig, is it?

Lord Twyneham snorted. Too large. Abnormally large. Demonically large.

I tried to think of something soothing to say – the poor man was obviously out of sorts – but couldn’t come up with anything better than, There are more pigs in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. And Hamlet is never soothing.

It can’t be allowed to win again, continued his lordship. There has to be a rule against entering devil hybrids in a fat stock show. Do you know the beast is reported to be even larger than last year?

I did not.

The Princess of Crandle cannot be expected to compete against a devil pig. It’s not fair.

Drawing another blank in the soothing word department, I decided it best to take my leave and continue my quest.

~

I located Herbert and his intended in the rose garden, and turned a sleuth’s eye upon the pair. She was tall and sporty looking – the kind of girl who would look good on the prow of a ship – while Herbert was his usual stocky self with a neck thickened by years of scrimmaging on the rugger field. If one were considering opening a breeding farm for future England rugger players, I would say, Look no further.

What ho, Herbert!

"What are you doing here?"

Taking the air, admiring the roses, I said.

What rot! You’re here to spy on me, aren’t you?

Herbert gave me the kind of look that had frozen many an opposing scrum half at ten paces.

Spy on you? No, I often come to Crandle.

Rot! Which one of them sent you? Brunhilde? Bertha?

For a man who’d taken a lifetime of blows to the head, Herbert was rather astute.

I assure you, old bean, I didn’t even know you were here. Came as a complete surprise when I saw you sauntering through the rose garden arm in arm with...I’m sorry, we haven’t been introduced.

Josephine Smith, said the mystery girl, proffering her hand.

Now I was up close, I could take better measure of the girl. She was a good hand taller than Herbert, of statuesque appearance, fair-to-middling in the looks department, well-dressed and well-spoken. Not the kind of girl to send aunts reaching for the family blackball.

Reginald Worcester, I said, doffing the hat. Would that be the Hampshire Smiths or the Wimbledon Smiths?

My family hails from Bristol, Mr Worcester.

She held the Worcester gaze as she spoke. Calm, refined, unexcitable. The girl should have been an aunt’s dream.

"Reggie! You are here to spy on us. Admit it! All these questions."

Steady the buffs, Herbert, old fruit. I was only making conversation.

I could tell by the fiery eyeball and the clenched fists that a stronger card needed to be played.

If you must know, I’m here to see Georgie. We were once engaged, don’t you know.

The card was an eyeball quencher. Sweetness and light returned to the rose garden and Reginald Worcester, sleuth, continued his gentle interrogation of the happy couple.

~

An hour later I found Reeves on the terrace and reported all.

"Dashed if I can see anything about the girl that would draw the ire of an aunt. She doesn’t smile a lot, but

Reviews for What Ho, Automaton!

[yrizaria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very British humor. I enjoyed the style and the language very much. Funny book!

[edieh_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What Ho, Automaton! (Reeves & Worcester Steampunk Mysteries)by Chris Dolley is an excellent read: filled with manipulating Aunts, plighted troths, zeppelins, and country estates. The stories follow Worcester in his bumbling escapades as the mechanical Reeve rescues. If you like P.G.Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster and Jeeves series, this is the book for you.

[jessicasim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This series by Chris Dolley is just so much fun! More than recommended for whoever needs a break from seriousness and needs to escape to a frivolous world where everyone speaks over the top Queen's English (at least that is the case when I'm reading the stories).That's not to say that it's an easy read per se, the word use is very distinguished and often so skillfully selected that (after looking it up) I cannot help but chuckle.I have come to love the characters, they almost complete with "the real" thing, and I cannot see why this series cannot have a well earned long run.

[avanders_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

very cute and, from what other reviewers are saying, a cute Wodehouse parody-tribute. I haven't read any Wodehouse myself yet, but I intend to!

[gregandlarry · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

It was just too silly.

[curioussquared · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, funny stuff for the Wodehouse fan. I wasn't really sure what I was getting when I won this book, and even after reading the stories I'm a bit unsure. What Ho, Automaton is basically a steampunk tribute to P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster books, complete with aunts, the Drones, and a robot butler. While I can't imagine this would have a very wide audience, I found it enjoyable and diverting.

[miss_twilight_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book and the classic style it was written in. I really enjoyed the language, timing, flow, and humor. Will definitely keep on the lookout for more by this author!!

[sheryll_31 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This may have been a short read, but it was a fun ride all the way. A delightful combination of humour, comedy, mystery and steampunk. I definitely recommend taking the time to adventure along with Bertie and Reeves, his robotic sidekick, while they attempt to figure out what's happening with all the disappearing debutantes.

[katylit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fun little book. Reggie Worcester meets up with Reeves, the automaton gentleman's gentleman who has been discovered in a closet at the Drones Club. Reggie and Reeves form an alliance to discover what is happening to all the debutantes of the latest season. The "kingdom of Boggledom" is frequently visited, as Reeves continuously "boggles" Reggie with his wise, all-knowing advice.This funny story is obviously based on P.G. Wodehouse's creation of Jeeves and Wooster and is a very apt and clever imitation. I enjoyed it tremendously and plan on reading more of Chris Dolley's work.

[marmotandwombat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amusing romp through the mysteries of steam-powered England, as related by our charmingly eccentric narrator and his Personal Automaton Reeves. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you will take the express train to the resorts and spas of Boggledom, but you won't be disappointed.

[jenniferstevenson_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's very, very, very hard to write Wodehouse pastiche. Really hard. Chris Dolley does it well. I laughed til I cried over the (literally) robotic Reeves. Dolley gets the language right, he gets the timing right (really hard!) and oh yeah--it's steampunk! Supposedly there are more of these stories coming. Yay!

[catalogermom_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What ho, Automaton! is a crazy combination of steampunk and Wodehouse. After a bit of a slow start, the action begins with Bertie and Reeves, the automated gentleman's gentleman, solving the mystery of the lost debutantes. A mishmash of romance, mystery, and comedy with a bit of steampunk thrown in for good measure. A fun romp.

[yummyfishmeister · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, funny stuff for the Wodehouse fan. I wasn't really sure what I was getting when I won this book, and even after reading the stories I'm a bit unsure. What Ho, Automaton is basically a steampunk tribute to P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster books, complete with aunts, the Drones, and a robot butler. While I can't imagine this would have a very wide audience, I found it enjoyable and diverting.

[gunnangelskr · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is a book for Woodehouse-fans. Same sort of puns and funs. I used to be a Woodehousefan myself, several years back, but now I discovered that I have grown up a bit to much. A pity, 'cause I really like the steam-punk-type of world the story is placed in. But the story is well written, and I will watch out for this author.

[idj_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You know, I really liked this book. I'm a huge fan of P. G. Wodehouse and have read a great deal of what he wrote, and I find this book to be so similar that the comparisons are startling. The biggest difference is the introduction of the automaton in a universe where the technology didn't exist. While that could have been off-putting, it seemed so natural and it fit so well that after the first few references/contacts in the book I didn't really notice the 'out-of-place'-ness of it - and this is coming from a confirmed Wodehouse fan - high praise indeed!This is Wodehouse in a steampunk universe, to use the phrase currently describing the alternate Victorian universe. The humour is engaging, the characters are as fleshed out (pun intended) as any I've read, the writing is engaging, and the story(ies) fun. A great read, and a writer to watch for!

[soraki_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book contains a short story and a novella that take place in a Wodehouse/steampunk world. The first story, What Ho Automaton, begins with Reginald Worcester's formidable Aunt Bertha sending him to detach his cousin from an engagement to an unsuitable female. Reggie brings along his new automaton-servant, Reeves, a robot of immense brainpower. The second story, Something Rummy This Way Comes, begins with Aunt Bertha ordering Reggie to get engaged by the end of the Season. Reggie's reluctance over attending the Season evaporates when he hears that debutantes have been disappearing, and he and Reeves set up as consulting detectives to investigate the kidnappings.

[metamariposa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dolley's humorous send-up of P.G. Wodehouse combines that gifted artist's signature screwball humor with Sherlock Holmes and automatons. I enjoyed the book very much, as I am a devoted fan of Wodehouse. As is the case in many Jeeves and Wooster books as well, the delight is in the details, not the plot. I found the ending contrived and confusing. The process of reading the book was an enjoyable one, though. It's a competently written parody (of semi-parody--the genre implications are startling) and a lovely light read for summer.I received this book through the Early Reviewers program.

[chelseagirl_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Steampunk P.G. Wodehouse. OK, what do I do for the other 22 words? If the concept appeals, the book should. It's been years since I've read any Wodehouse, but the story of Reginald Worcester (pronounced like . . . ) and his human-appearing steam-driven automaton manservant Reeves (rescued from a closet at the Drones Club, where he'd been confined some 14 years after being lost at poker) struck me as letter-perfect. The steampunk framework is overlaid lightly, but works well. I did get a bit of the sense I was reading fanfiction; that didn't bother me. There's nothing particularly original about What Ho, Automaton, but it's a loving tribute.

[khrister · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What Ho, Automaton!With such a title, you would expect jolly Englishmen and their automatons, and that is exactly what you get. Set in a steampunk England of the Victorian era, the two main characters Reeves and Wooster (Reggie, not Bertie) sets out to find a missing debutante.I found it funny and enjoyable, although some of the jokes were repeated a bit too often. If you like Wodehouse and steampunk, I'm sure you will love it.

[belegcuthalion_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hilarious yarn in the vein of Wodehouse's Jeeves & Wooster. Definitely has been yearning for more! The combination of Victorian humor mixed with Steampunk was refreshing.

[sisifus_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is surely one of the funniest books I've read recently! It does ask you to come inside and make yourself comfortable as Dolley spells his yarns. Just pay attention to details and road signs and you'll appreciate Dolley's story best. Whatever he writes next, I'm gonna read it.

[mavinger_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a really fun read. I really enjoyed the mix of the Wodehouse world with steampunk. The fish and the orangutans did get a bit tiresome but I would definitely be up for reading more stories in this setting.

[rsard_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are problems with this book.Most of them are AuntsNote the A - none of the aunts are anything less than formidable. Neither are Reginald Wooster (in his meandering and obscure method of mental perambulation) and Jeeves (steam powered and more dangerous than a chaff-cutting machine in a ballroom when asked to solve Reginald's inevitable problems) his rescued-from-a-cupboard-at-the-club manservant. Whatever problems face Reginald, Jeeves and his own unique modus operandi can get him out of.Except the Aunts. What Ho, Automaton! is P.G. Wodehouse meets the the Parasol Protectorate. It is, generally, a successful satire or the parody of the former and the steampunk and manners which the latter so ably deals with humoursly. Typically 'British' humour of 'that certain style', it sharpens a sharp stick to poke cheerfully at any target that offers. This may, at times, become overwhelming (like Wodehouse) but nothing that a break for a good cup of tea and a slice of cinnamon cake won't cure. However, if you enjoy this style, grab a copy. I agree with djryan's review below - Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie would do this wonderfully if it were ever produced. (LibraryThing Reviewer's copy)(3 stars - Fun, cheerful reading, enjoyed the silliness.)

[tronella_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I got this in ebook form through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. I'm kind of torn on this one; while I love the concept of steampunk Jeeves and Wooster (the main characters being one "Reginald Wooster" and his gentleman's gentle-automaton, "Reeves") and the plot of the main story was pretty entertaining, some of the writing rubbed me the wrong way. In particular, the introductory short story is a little too... off-colour in its humour to seem convincingly Wodehouse to me. I did enjoy the overbearing aunts and accidental troth-plightings, though.

[rsps_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you area fan of Wodehouse, this book is really funny. I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Reggie has an automaton, Reeves, to help him out of tricky situations, just as Bertie Wooster had his Valet, Jeeves.

[paigeedd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I'd read the short 'What Ho, Automaton!' in the Shadow Conspiracy II anthology, and rather enjoyed the author's comedic writing style. In this book, in addition to the short, there is also a novella length story titled 'Something Rummy This Way Comes,' where the narrator Reggie and his trusty butler automaton Reeves set out to solve the disappearances of some debutantes. To put it simply, Reggie's mind works in mysterious ways and the author captures that voice perfectly. I quite literally read the story in two sittings, only leaving to acquire food. It's just such a fun read, blending the world of steam and automatons from the Shadow Conspiracy series of stories with an entertaining mystery and the comedic steps our hero takes to solve it. The low price rounds out the whole thing to a book I'd definitely recommend picking up for your e-reader for some light reading.

[kittynoel · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What Ho, Automaton!By Chris Dolley This is a short and sweet steam punk mystery. Consisting of one very short tail of how the main character, Reggie Worcester and how he becomes to be acquainted with the Automation Reeves. The first little story and the way the second started gave me the feeling that the book was to be a set of a few short story, not just one that was a chapter long and the rest of the book covering another. I liked the idea of this, but no just the two adventures are present. Reggie is a young Englishmen, loving his bachelorhood and intrigued when he comes across a situation that seems odd. He decides to find the root of the problem announcing himself as a "consulting detective." Feeling that with all his reading of Sherlock homes story's he is the perfect man for the job. Especially with his talent for seeing the connection to the (extremely) unusual. This is a cute short adventure where all seems odd and everyone seems steps ahead of the main character. Who sees connections to things from nowhere... The story tries to be connected to the first short tail but doesn't really feel like it quite gets that connection, and the end feels about as out there as any of Reggie's odd ideas... I think I would have liked this a fair bit more if there was at least one more little adventure in the book, it fell like it just kinda ended in the middle of things. But its a short, 140 page book you can find for 2.99 and that is the best kind of e-book's out there.

[hydrografie_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not being British, I must say that I'm at a disadvantage with this book as it attempts at typical British humor. However, being a great fan of Monty Python as wel as the Hitchikers Guide, I've read (and seen) my fair share. So how does it match up? The book is at times amusing, especially in the first chapter, after that it sometimes loses the point (or becomes quite predictable). It takes elements from Sherlock Holmes and creates a caricature of that. The point of the automaton is essentially lost after the first story where Reeves turnes into the a kind of Sancho Panza running on steam, preventing his 'master' Reggie all the time from becoming obviously stupid and trying to be in advance of his more abnormal notions. What the book is really missing however is an Urang Utan or a eunuch.... (want to know about that, read the book....)So what we have here is Sherlock Holmes reversed into Don Quichote with a topping of British humor. Entertaining but not ground breaking. Considering the price / quality a fair read.

[skippyofthewired · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What Ho, Automaton is a steam punk jaunt that pays tribute to linguistic styling of P.G. Wodehouse. The book contains two stories, the title story and Something Rummy This Way Comes.The title story introduces us to Reggie Worcester and the troubles he suffers on account of his Aunt. What Ho, Automaton opens with our lead lamenting his problems to a friend in a local drinking establishment. Reggie's friend presents him will the solution to all of his present and future problems, the steam powered automaton Reeves. Hijinks ensue with Reggie's oddball idea's and Reeve's cool and calculating rebuttals. Both stories are thematically linked by Reggie's attempts to duck out of marital engagements. In Something Rummy This Way Comes Reggie takes up the mantle of Sherlock Holmes to solve the case of the missing debutantes. Reeves plays the part of a logical police officer and Reggie keeps the reader on the lookout for a host of bizarre suspects. Locking in at 156 pages and a low price readers of What Ho, Automaton have little to lose in terms of time or money and will find plenty of amusement.

[bansheegirl · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Perhaps I love Wodehouse too much, but I found this steampunk homage to be a bit trying. When I want Wodehouse I will pick up Wodehouse.