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Best books by Kyril Bonfiglioli
23rd Sep 2025
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Kyril Bonfiglioli, the celebrated author behind the unforgettable Charlie Mortdecai series, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his sharp wit, audacious characters, and darkly humorous capers. From the roguish charm of Mortdecai himself to the equally memorable J.W. Pepper, Bonfiglioli's creations continue to captivate readers with their cunning plans and unforgettable dialogue. Whether you're a long-time admirer or new to his unique brand of crime fiction, his novels offer a delightful escape into a world of dubious morals and irresistible adventure. Now, it's your turn to weigh in! We're curious to know which of Kyril Bonfiglioli's literary gems stand out most for you. Which book had you laughing out loud, on the edge of your seat, or simply wishing you could spend more time in its eccentric world? Cast your vote in our poll below and share your favorite, and let's see which of Bonfiglioli's masterpieces reigns supreme among his fans!
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#4.
All the Tea in China
4/5
...
Kyril Bonfiglioli, celebrated for his sharp wit and an "unholy collaboration between P. G. Wodehouse and Ian Fleming," as noted by *The New Yorker*, truly showcases his satirical genius in *All the Tea in China*. This novel is a delightful anachronistic maritime romp, blending the adventurous spirit of *Master and Commander* with the anarchic humor of *Monty Python*. The story follows young Karli Van Cleef, spurred by a rather ignominious incident, from his Dutch origins to the bustling, opportunistic landscape of early Victorian London and ultimately to the lucrative opium fields of India and the treaty ports of China.
Bonfiglioli masterfully crafts a journey fraught with both external dangers and comically absurd predicaments. Karli navigates treacherous seas, an overabundance of curry, and the strictures of the Articles of War, while also encountering the malice of the Boers, the unexpected hospitality of anthropophagi, and the questionable culinary delights of Lancashire. Through it all, Karli acquires not just a significant fortune, but also a wife and a wealth of peculiar experiences. *All the Tea in China* undoubtedly belongs on any list of Bonfiglioli's best works, as it exemplifies his unique blend of historical adventure, biting satire, and unforgettable characterization, offering both devoted fans and new readers a richly rewarding picaresque tale.
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#4.
All the Tea in China
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Kyril Bonfiglioli, celebrated for his sharp wit and an "unholy collaboration between P. G. Wodehouse and Ian Fleming," as noted by *The New Yorker*, truly showcases his satirical genius in *All the Tea in China*. This novel is a delightful anachronistic maritime romp, blending the adventurous spirit of *Master and Commander* with the anarchic humor of *Monty Python*. The story follows young Karli Van Cleef, spurred by a rather ignominious incident, from his Dutch origins to the bustling, opportunistic landscape of early Victorian London and ultimately to the lucrative opium fields of India and the treaty ports of China. Bonfiglioli masterfully crafts a journey fraught with both external dangers and comically absurd predicaments. Karli navigates treacherous seas, an overabundance of curry, and the strictures of the Articles of War, while also encountering the malice of the Boers, the unexpected hospitality of anthropophagi, and the questionable culinary delights of Lancashire. Through it all, Karli acquires not just a significant fortune, but also a wife and a wealth of peculiar experiences. *All the Tea in China* undoubtedly belongs on any list of Bonfiglioli's best works, as it exemplifies his unique blend of historical adventure, biting satire, and unforgettable characterization, offering both devoted fans and new readers a richly rewarding picaresque tale.
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Something Nasty in the Woodshed
Charlie Mortdecai, a disgraced London art dealer and degenerate aristocrat, finds himself exiled to the Channel Island of Jersey, a supposed refuge from his mounting unpopularity and a few less-than-savory art transactions. What initially promises to be a hedonistic escape quickly devolves into something far more sinister. Charlie stumbles upon a chilling mystery involving a local rapist whose brutal methods eerily mirror those of "The Beast of Jersey," an ancient mythological figure. As Charlie delves deeper, his quest to expose the perpetrator transforms into a terrifying and macabre manhunt, proving that even in supposed isolation, danger can find him. "Something Nasty in the Woodshed" is a quintessential example of why Kyril Bonfiglioli's work, particularly the Mortdecai Trilogy, remains a beloved cult classic. This installment perfectly encapsulates the series' signature blend of dark humor, atmospheric crime thrills, and the unforgettable character of Charlie Mortdecai. Bonfiglioli masterfully crafts a narrative that showcases Charlie as a complex and utterly compelling protagonist: a degenerate aristocrat, an amoral art dealer, a seasoned epicurean, an unwilling assassin, and a self-avowed coward, all of whom contribute to his unique charm and the darkly comedic edge of the story. The novel's exploration of mythology, its thrilling plot, and its distinctly witty prose solidify its place as a standout among Bonfiglioli's best.
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The Great Mortdecai Moustache Mystery
Kyril Bonfiglioli's final, posthumously completed novel, *The Great Mortdecai Moustache Mystery*, plunges the inimitable Hon. Charlie Mortdecai back into a whirlwind of absurdity and danger. Following Charlie's signature trajectory from adventure to misadventure, the narrative whisks readers from the familiar shores of Jersey to the stark landscapes of Moscow, culminating in a hilariously grotesque showdown within a Buckinghamshire bungalow of unparalleled hideousness. Along the way, Mortdecai encounters a vibrant rogues' gallery: well-seasoned academics with questionable motives, a cryptic monk, a decidedly aristocratic Chief Constable, and a veritable army of spies, all of whom prove no match for Charlie's audacious charm and questionable morals. As always, Mortdecai finds himself entangled in a mission of international insecurity, where the stakes are high, the characters are eccentric, and the resolution is anything but predictable. This novel undeniably earns its place on any list of Kyril Bonfiglioli's best works for its masterful continuation of his signature blend of sharp wit, outrageous plotlines, and unforgettable characters. Even though Bonfiglioli left the novel unfinished, the celebrated satirist and parodist Craig Brown thoughtfully supplies the penultimate, plot-resolving chapter, ensuring that Mortdecai's final escapade is delivered with the sardonic flair and anarchic spirit that fans have come to expect. *The Great Mortdecai Moustache Mystery* showcases Bonfiglioli's unparalleled talent for social satire and his ability to craft narratives that are both riotously funny and surprisingly insightful, making it a fitting, albeit bittersweet, conclusion to his beloved series.
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Don't Point that Thing at Me
A cult classic in the UK since its 1970s publication, *Don't Point That Thing at Me* launches Kyril Bonfiglioli's unforgettable series featuring the Honorable Charlie Mortdecai. This degenerate aristocrat, amoral art dealer, and acknowledged coward navigates a darkly humorous world of stolen paintings, vintage Rolls Royces, and secret police. Alongside his thuggish manservant, the aptly named Jock Strapp, Mortdecai stumbles through a whirlwind of international intrigue and personal debauchery, all while striving to make a dishonest living with impeccable style. The novel is a brilliant, irreverent blend of comedy, crime, and suspense that solidifies Bonfiglioli's status as a master of the witty, macabre thriller. *Don't Point That Thing at Me* absolutely belongs on any list of Kyril Bonfiglioli's best works because it perfectly encapsulates his unique writing voice. Bonfiglioli masterfully crafts a protagonist who is utterly charming despite his deep-seated flaws, a feat that requires immense skill. The novel's razor-sharp dialogue, dry wit, and unexpectedly thrilling plot create a reading experience that is both highly entertaining and memorably dark. It's the foundational book that introduces readers to the distinctive world of Charlie Mortdecai, showcasing Bonfiglioli's talent for blending the absurd with the thrilling, a hallmark of his celebrated career.
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All the Tea in China
Kyril Bonfiglioli, celebrated for his sharp wit and an "unholy collaboration between P. G. Wodehouse and Ian Fleming," as noted by *The New Yorker*, truly showcases his satirical genius in *All the Tea in China*. This novel is a delightful anachronistic maritime romp, blending the adventurous spirit of *Master and Commander* with the anarchic humor of *Monty Python*. The story follows young Karli Van Cleef, spurred by a rather ignominious incident, from his Dutch origins to the bustling, opportunistic landscape of early Victorian London and ultimately to the lucrative opium fields of India and the treaty ports of China. Bonfiglioli masterfully crafts a journey fraught with both external dangers and comically absurd predicaments. Karli navigates treacherous seas, an overabundance of curry, and the strictures of the Articles of War, while also encountering the malice of the Boers, the unexpected hospitality of anthropophagi, and the questionable culinary delights of Lancashire. Through it all, Karli acquires not just a significant fortune, but also a wife and a wealth of peculiar experiences. *All the Tea in China* undoubtedly belongs on any list of Bonfiglioli's best works, as it exemplifies his unique blend of historical adventure, biting satire, and unforgettable characterization, offering both devoted fans and new readers a richly rewarding picaresque tale.
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The Mortdecai ABC
Kyril Bonfiglioli’s *The Mortdecai ABC* is an indispensable entry in his canon of utterly unique crime fiction. While the narrative of the enigmatic and roguish Charlie Mortdecai's exploits is by now a familiar and beloved trope, this particular installment offers a fresh, alphabetized spin that amplifies the series' inherent wit and absurdity. The structured yet wildly inventive approach to storytelling, where each chapter and its narrative thrust is dictated by a letter of the alphabet, showcases Bonfiglioli's masterful command of language and his delightful willingness to play with form. It's a testament to his brilliance that such a constraint doesn't stifle his creativity, but rather fuels it, resulting in a book that is both hilariously chaotic and remarkably cohesive. What truly cements *The Mortdecai ABC*'s place among Bonfiglioli's best is its potent distillation of everything that makes the series so enduring. Mortdecai’s singular brand of aristocratic indolence, his dubious morality, and his uncanny ability to attract both danger and opulent, yet often stolen, possessions are all on full display. The novel is a masterclass in Bonfiglioli's signature dry humor, his sharp observations on the foibles of humanity, and his ability to craft intricate, yet gloriously daft, plots. For fans of the Mortdecai saga, *The Mortdecai ABC* isn't just another adventure; it's a brilliant, alphabetical excursion into the heart of what makes these books so delightfully, and enduringly, special.
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