Monsieur Pamplemousse

Bond suggests. He is not explicit. His books can be hard to follow. He points the reader in a direction, applies a subtle push via plot or dialog, and relies upon the reader's perception for the rest. The results are hilarious--for a close and clever reader. His style is echoed by his main character's actions. For example--Pamplemousse is trying to gain the confidence of a young handicapped man. Towards that end, he points out that the young man is not the only person in the world with a handicap. Then Pamplemousse arches a brow and taps his leg meaningfully with his wooden walking stick, hitting the hidden pocket wherein he keeps his notebook, producing a hollow clopping sound. "You mean?" says the young man. Pamplemousse merely nods. He never actually says he has a wooden leg, just implies it. And from that one event a series of incidents occur--an amorous woman bringing sandpaper with her when she hopes to bed Pamplemousse, bark jokes.... The humour is omnipresent. If you look for it, it is there. The intimations early on as to why Pamplemousse had to leave the French national Police force (the Surete, similar to the FBI) "It was only 12 women" snaps Pamplemousse. The world according to Pamplemouse's dog. The put downs of rival restaurant critics.... Contrasting the humour are serious and mouth-watering descriptions of gastronomic experiences--food, wine, more food, more wine! and serious mystery in both plot and action. Enough straight plot-line to make the crooked forks really stand out. This is a fantastically well made novel, with highs and lows, good and bad people, well realised scenes and scenery, and amazing description of both environment and action. I hope you can tell I loved this book! Give it a chance and you will too!