John Hughes’ Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys is a quirky, character-driven tale set in the fictional village of Piddly Bottom. The story follows the pompous Syngen-Hyde family, particularly the clueless Lord Charles and Lady Priscilla, who inherit the crumbling Monkspew Manor. As they hire the hapless but well-meaning Bert Bogglethrop and his ragtag crew to refurbish the property, chaos unfolds in a series of oddball adventures. At the center of it all is young Millicent, the quiet niece with a tragic past, who slowly uncovers more than just soot in the manor’s ancient chimneys. Part farce, part folk tale, the book is packed with eccentricity, old-school British humor, and a surprising heart.

I found Hughes’ writing incredibly charming. His characters are cartoonish and exaggerated, and that’s the point. Bert Bogglethrop, with his sardine-scented suit and wheezy van named Jenny, had me laughing. I genuinely loved the way Hughes commits to the ridiculousness. The dialogue is full of clever turns, regional slang, and enough cheeky wit to fill a chimney flue. But it’s not all slapstick. There’s something quietly touching about Millie’s journey. How this overlooked, lonely girl finds courage and belonging in a house full of ghosts, literal and metaphorical.

There’s a lot of setup, a lot of jokes, and a lot of shouting. Some chapters meander like Bert’s van, and not every punchline lands clean. The villains, especially Charles and Priscilla, are so delightfully detestable that I found myself wishing for a sharper emotional payoff. But honestly, I didn’t mind the detours. The story has a cozy, fireside rhythm. There’s a homespun charm in the way Hughes writes, like a tall tale being told in the back room of a village pub.

Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys is a playful, warm-hearted read. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys old-fashioned British humor, offbeat characters, and a bit of magical mischief tucked between soot and rafters. It’s perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Terry Pratchett’s gentler side, or those who just want a good laugh with a cup of tea. It will absolutely brighten your day.

Pages: 168 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DSLTHZKD