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While Michael Bond is better known as the author of the Paddington Bear books, he is also author of the delightful series featuring former detective-turned-gastronome par excellence Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites. In this latest book MONSIEUR PAMPLEMOUSSE AND THE MILITANT MIDWIVES, Monsieur Pamplemousse finds himself involved with a threat that affects national security. Matters start just after he has finished delivering a rather emotive speech at a former colleague's funeral where, due to Pommes Frites' warning, he barely manages to escape with his life. Called in by his superior at Le Guide he soon finds himself involved in untangling a terrorist plot and dealing with a rather strange ally in the form of an American CIA agent who runs a syndicated cookery website. With his loyal companion Pommes Frites also in danger, Monsieur Pamplemousse has to act fast. MONSIEUR PAMPLEMOUSSE AND THE MILITANT MIDWIVES is a splendidly-written and witty book. There is a droll sense of humour running through the book from beginning to the end. With an incredible sense of timing as well, Michael Bond has ensured that this is a series that will continue to bring hours of pleasure to all of those who have the sense to pick up a copy of this book (or in fact any of the others in the series) and read it. While there is certainly an element of farce present in this book it is not often that one finds crime and cuisine written with such finesse. One of the best things about this book, let alone the series, is the fact that as preposterous as things are there is still an element of sharp dialogue present which stops them from becoming too ridiculous, outlandish and therefore an annoying read. While the outcome of the crime is quite contrived, it does not detract from what is essentially a funny, light-hearted amusing tale. Do not be surprised if you end up laughing out loud, as you read this book. It will certainly be worth it. Long-standing readers of this series will no doubt rejoice at the return of Monsieur Pamplemousse and his devoted bloodhound.
Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, September 2006
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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