Quick Service - P.G. Wodehouse

What do you get when you mix Ukridge, Jeeves and PSmith. You get Joss Weatherby: J.B. Duff’s irritable and self proclaimed right hand, Mr. Steptoe’s agreeable valet and Miss Sally Fairmile’s discovered love interest.

Set in an English Castle, Claines Hall, which houses the erstwhile American Steptoes, who pine for the American way of living, Quick Service revolves around a portrait of Mrs. Chavender, a relative of Steptoes who resides in the premises. J.B. Duff, the undisputed ham merchant, who was originally engaged to Mrs. Chavender before breaking it off, wants the portrait for his own business reasons. And he is ready to employ a bevy of criminal masterminds for the purpose. And his cronies have their own things they would like to barter the portrait with J.B. Duff for. So, Sally’s betrothed, Lord Holbeton, wants to get his money from Duff which he is holding on to as his trustee, Sally wants Duff to give it to Holbeton so is a willing accomplice, Joss wants a job as Head of Art department (somewhat in line with the modern day marketing function) at Duff’s Ham selling company, Mr. Steptoe wants to get some cash to pay of gambling dues and to fly back to the America, and even Mrs. Chavender, who also is the subject of the rather fearful portrait wouldn’t mind getting some dough. So there are quite a few contenders for the prized portrait. Add to that a vigilant butler who is somewhat of a champion boxer, who is bent on preventing any crimes inside the mansion, the situation is bound to get complex.

To sum it up, which would be quite a bit, this is one of the most complicated and intricate plots of Wodehouse. And I really enjoyed the simplicity of how it unraveled itself in the end. And the humour in the book is priceless. J.B. Duff is quite a character. And his chemistry with the Joss is something to really enjoy. It’s a boss and subordinate relationship, where the subordinate ends up calling the shots, despite the boss making all attempts to keep a grip on things.

Also, this is one of those novels where the ending is happy for absolutely everyone. So everyone is a good guy in their own place. Therefore, the book’s a happy read, which will bring an unadulterated smile on your face.