Mr. Mulliner, a regular at the Angler's Rest, recounts a series of improbable and humorous tales involving his eccentric extended family to an audience of local patrons. Each story follows a different member of the Mulliner clan as they navigate absurd social dilemmas, romantic entanglements, or professional mishaps. The narrative framework relies on the oral storytelling tradition, with Mr. Mulliner acting as the mediator between the reader and the bizarre events of his relatives' lives. The world is defined by the polite, rigid social structures of early 20th-century England, which serve as the perfect backdrop for the characters' chaotic and often ridiculous behavior.

Readers frequently highlight the consistent wit and linguistic playfulness that define these short stories. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to construct elaborate, farcical scenarios that remain grounded in a recognizable, albeit heightened, social reality. Critics often point to the frame narrative as a successful device for maintaining a cohesive tone across disparate tales. The pacing is noted for its brisk, lighthearted nature, making the collection accessible for casual reading. Many appreciate the balance between the narrator's dry delivery and the sheer lunacy of the events described within the stories.