by
Michael Bond
ISBN: 1-55690-759-1 Order from: Recorded Books
A humorous, at times slapstick, romp, full of mouth-watering description of the French cuisine, with improbable but amusing plot which ends in a predictable but not entirely satisfactory conclusion.
Reviewed by David on August 29, 1999
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)
Synopsis: Monsieur Pamplemousse, an inspector at the culinary magazine Le Guide, is sent to accompany the attractive American Mrs. Van Doren as she coordinates the recreation of a historic dinner held by Alexandre Dumas a century ago. Organized by a society of successful American Mystery writers, the dinner in Vichy is promising to be an elaborate, expensive and tasty affair until one of the guests dies under somewhat puzzling circumstances. Bumbling through the cues, the Inspector enjoys and critiques the food, drink, and customs around him, as more and more complications arise on this ill-omened trip.
Full Review: A novel pleasant for its sly parody, delectable description of food and amusing romantic and criminal complications befalling its protagonist, this book occasionally descends into less elegant slapstick humor. The mystery plot is a bit weak, and predictable towards the end, but the biggest flaw is the disappointing ending. On the whole, the book is a pleasant, undemaning read, and makes for good pre-meal entertainment.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Recorded Books, 1991, Audio Cassette, 4 cassettes
ISBN: 1-55690-759-1 Order from: Recorded Books