Muddleton is a treat for all long-read enthusiasts who can appreciate the humour behind British aristocracy, writes Kinga Plata

A Haringey author and a multi-award-winning short film maker has published his new book.

Brian Luff’s Muddleton is a treat for all long-read enthusiasts who can appreciate the humour behind British aristocracy.

Published last month, the comic/historic novel is a story about a delusional and dysfunctional dynasty of aristocrats, desperately trying to save their ancestral home, Hogg Hall, from demolition.

When Hogg Hall is ordered to be torn down, Earl Hardy Hogg-Marchmont, head of the family, thinks challenging the council will be a waste of time, 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 is a tale of this hapless family from the middle of the 18th Century to the present day. It’s a story of absurdity, supernatural encounters and surreal events. Something of a cross between Downton Abbey and Father Ted.

Luff explained: “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.”

The author also added that he hopes everyone will find something to enjoy in this twisted and extraordinary aristocratic saga.

Apart from being a successful author and a filmmaker, Luff has written comedy for television, theatre and digital media. He is also a holder of an extensive portfolio that includes producing the chart-topping podcast for Have I Got News For You, while at BBC, working as head of digital content for two global television networks and being a guest lecturer on the BA scriptwriting course at Bournemouth University.

His previous books include The Serious Business of Writing, Performing & Selling Comedy, however Muddleton is his first full length novel.

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