No Time Like Show Time FROM THE PUBLISHER
Hermux Tantamoq is in the spotlight again when he gets an urgent plea for help from Fluster Varmint -- the most famous mouse in show business. It seems as if someone wants to put Varmint's lights out! Hermux dives into the mystery headfirst, but quickly discovers the difficulty of finding the culprit in a theater full of people putting on an act. And there are other threats too, notably suave director Brinx Lotelle, practicing his amorous skills on dashing aviatrix Linka Perflinger, a mouse who just happens to be Hermux's sweetheart -- if only Hermux had the nerve to tell her! More of a behind-the-scenes kind of mouse, this case thrusts Hermux center stage, where his courage and cleverness will be tested. Can Hermux save the day, save the theater, and get the girl? Or will it be curtains for our favorite watchmaker?
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
No Time Like Show Time: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure by Michael Hoeye heralds the return of the watchmaking mouse from Time Stops for No Mouse and The Sands of Time. Hermux must contend with the villainous Tucka Mertslin as she forms a partnership with jewel thief Corpius Crounce, conspiring to ruin the Varmint Variety Theater. In a starred review of Sands, PW wrote, "the galloping plot, evocative descriptions and exuberantly sophisticated wit keep the pages turning." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Mindy Hardwick
Get ready for a page turning, magical, animal mystery. Hermux owns a watch shop where he makes and repairs watches. One day, a flying squirrel delivers a message from the Varmint Variety Theater. However, when Hermuz tries to see Fluster Varmint, he finds the theater in chaos. The next day, another note arrives and invites Hermuz to a show at the theater. The note instructs Hermux to tell no one about the notes. The mystery of the theater begins! Who is acting and who is involved with the mystery? Not only is the mystery story engaging and a page-turner, but readers will also find themselves enthralled with the characters such as Terfle, the pet ladybug, and Linka, the girlfriend mouse. Readers who love Harry Potter and the Redwall series will find themselves adding this book to their collections. The book is a perfect choice for young readers looking for a little magic, mystery, and adventure! 2004, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 10 to 14.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-This third title featuring Hermux Tantamoq, a humble watchmaker turned detective, is just as wonderful as the first two. The likable mouse once again finds himself at the center of a mystery when a famous stage director, Fluster Varmint, hires him to find out who is sending him threatening letters. Tension continues to grow, and readers stay just one step ahead of Hermux as he uncovers intrigues and faces danger. Several characters return from the previous books, including Linka Perflinger, daring aviatrix and Hermux's love interest, and Tucka Mertslin, Hermux's detested neighbor and owner of a large cosmetics company. Hoeye pays minute attention to detail, creating a vivid setting where mice, moles, chipmunks, and rats go about their day-to-day lives. Perfect for sharing aloud, this fast-paced tale will keep youngsters enthralled until the thrilling climax. Children who have not read the other novels will definitely ask for them after finishing this one so that they can return to Hermux's world of celery donuts, clocks that keep perfect time, and villains who wear polka-dot lipstick.-Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
AudioFile
The redoubtable watchmaker mouse returns in another hilarious social satire. This time Hermux is involved in misadventures surrounding the Varmint Variety Theater, a missing famous actress, and a greedy cosmetics entrepreneur (the infamous Tucka Mertslin—who else?). Added to Hermux's new detective stint is his budding romance with aviatrix Linka Perflinger. How is a mouse to manage? But, of course, he does, and Campbell Scott's straightforward pacing continues to serve this series well. In addition to creating new (and very funny) voices for this third book in the series, Scott's characters from the previous two books are instantly recognizable, particularly the throaty-voiced Tucka. Scott's careful attention to the eccentricities of Hoeye's world makes this a standout for middle school and older listeners. S.G. 2005 YALSA Selection © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
The intrepid detective Hermux Tantamoq returns in a show-biz setting accompanied by many of his familiar cohorts from previous adventures. Linka Perflinger, aviatrix extraordinaire, is less present in the action, although she retains her top billing in Hermux's heart. Terfle, the pet ladybug is an impressive assistant, and Tucka Mertslin's snobby, elitist, money-grubbing ways continue to amuse as other familiar and some new characters complete the cast in a universe where mice live like humans. At times, the combination of rodent and human qualities result in delightful images, but others, such as a mouse with pigtails, are harder to imagine. Nonetheless, fans of the series will find satisfaction and amusement in this stage-struck mystery, as well as delight in the slow unraveling of the clues through chance and dogged detective work. Newcomers can enjoy the show, but the depth of character revealed in earlier adventures is taken for granted. These mice are very much mature adults and yet the author carefully keeps within bounds that kids can understand, making this a great choice for families to share. (Fiction. 10-14)
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