Book Review: Monsieur Pamplemousse on Probation

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[4 stars]

Monsieur Pamplemousse on Probation
Michael Bond
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Cozy
Series: Monsieur Pamplemousse
Allison & Busby, Aug 2000, $9.95, 174 pp.

Anytime Henri LeClercq, the Director of Le Guide, returns from America, the staff expects the adoption of all types of weird business practices. This time Henri brings back the concept of survival courses to maximize the inner self and raise each individual’s capabilities. This works only in America and now LeClercq insures it will in France too. Pamplemousse and Pommes Frites have successfully avoided the fate of much of their peers until this morning when the media caught him “molesting” a Mother Superior. Though he explains the unfortunate events that led to his picture (lying on top of the nun alongside a seemingly laughing Pommes Frites) making the paper, Henri decides to exile the twosome until the media frenzy stops.

Pamplemousse and Pommes Frites travel to Auvergne to judge whether Chef Dulac is worthy of Le Guide’s Golden Stock Pot Lid award. However, instead of a quiet escape, Pamplemousse and Pommes Frites become embroiled in a situation that could destroy not only the reputation of Le Guide, but also the international esteem that French cuisine deservedly has. Placing a TV camera on Pommes Frites, Pamplemousse expects to learn the truth behind the efforts to demolish reputations.

For fans that enjoy humorous satire, the release of a Monsieur Pamplemousse and Pommes Frites tale is always a time of rejoicing. The latest novel, ON PROBATION, is an extremely amusing story that as usual takes comic shots on anything that accidentally steps in the way of the dauntless, likable lead duo. Michael Bond uses irony to provide his audience with a wild spin through the kitchens of France and will send tourists seeking previous tours conducted by the dynamic duet.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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