If you think your family is complicated, wait until you meet the crew in The Little Nugget. This book throws a bunch of flawed, funny characters into a country house and lets the chaos unfold.

The Story

The 'Little Nugget' is Ogden Ford, the incredibly spoiled and bratty son of an American millionaire. His father wants him toughened up at an English boarding school. But two other people want him more: Smooth-talking crook Peter Burns and his glamorous ex-wife, Cynthia. They've both been hired by different parties to snatch the kid for a massive ransom. The problem? They both turn up at the same sleepy school to pull off the job, and Ogden is a nightmare handful who makes kidnapping him feel like the worst job in the world.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy because it flips the script. The 'criminals' are the people we follow, and their plans keep falling apart in the silliest ways. Wodehouse has this magic touch with dialogue—every line crackles with wit. You're not reading about epic heroes; you're reading about vain, slightly foolish people getting tangled in their own lies, and it's hilarious. Underneath the laughs, there's a sweet thread about second chances and how people aren't always what they seem, even con artists.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who needs a genuine laugh and loves clever, character-driven stories. If you enjoy classic comedies where the butler probably knows more than he lets on and love might blossom in the middle of a botched crime, you'll adore this. It's a lighter entry in Wodehouse's world, less about posh clubs and more about countryside mischief, making it a fantastic and breezy starting point for new readers.